Messi Honored with Joe Biden Honors Lionel Messi with the Medal of Freedom, the Nation's Highest Civilian Honor”>Presidential Medal of Freedom, Misses Ceremony
Lionel Messi was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom on Saturday, but the Argentine captain missed the ceremony in Washington D.C. as he was unable to travel. President Joe Biden, in one of his final acts as president, hosted an emotional event in the East Room of the White House to bestow the honor upon 19 recipients, including Messi.
The only recipient absent from the ceremony, Messi was recognized for his "exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, and security" of the United States, according to the medal’s citation. His nomination, along with other honorees, was announced by the White House in December.
Messi, who is currently vacationing in Argentina with his family, expressed his regret for missing the event in a message he sent to Biden through his club, Inter Miami. "It’s a profound honor and privilege to have been distinguished with this recognition," Messi wrote. "Unfortunately, I have a prior commitment and won’t be able to attend the ceremony at the White House."
Messi, who recently captained Argentina to the World Cup title in Qatar, has amassed an impressive collection of awards throughout his illustrious career. However, he views the Presidential Medal of Freedom as particularly significant.
Reporting by La Patilla, Clarín
