Official White House announcements or press releases

Lionel Messi Honored With Presidential Medal of Freedom by Joe Biden at White House, Unable to Attend

Jan 4, 2025, 08:20 PM

Lionel Messi, the Argentine soccer star playing for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Joe Biden. The ceremony, which took place at the White House, recognized Messi as one of 19 recipients of the highest civilian honor in the United States. However, Messi was unable to attend the event due to scheduling conflicts and prior commitments. He expressed his deep honor and gratitude for the recognition in a letter to the White House, indicating his hope to meet Biden in the future. Other notable recipients at the ceremony included Magic Johnson, Hillary Clinton, and Denzel Washington. Messi, who has won 46 titles for club and country, including 8 Ballon d'Or awards, was recognized for his contributions to soccer and his support for healthcare and education programs for children worldwide through the Leo Messi Foundation, as well as his role as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. Messi was named MLS MVP in his first full season with Inter Miami and is set to compete in the FIFA Club World Cup later this year. He has yet to declare whether he will play in the 2026 World Cup.