January 6 – Argentine great and World Cup winner, Lionel Messi, has won every conceivable football award on and off the field of play, can add the highest honour bestowed on civilians in his new home of the USA after just two years in the country.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the United States highest civilian honour and is presented to individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavors.
On Saturday, current president, Joe Biden bestowed the honour to 19 of the most famous names in politics, sports (including Magic Johnson), entertainment, civil rights, LGBTQ+ advocacy, and science
“For the final time as president I have the honor bestowing the Medal of Freedom, our nation’s highest civilian honor, on a group of extraordinary, truly extraordinary people, who gave their sacred effort, their sacred effort, to shape the culture and the cause of America,” Biden said in his opening remarks.
“Let me just say to each of you, thank you, thank you, thank you for all you’ve done to help this country.”
Surprisingly, Messi did not attend the ceremony, however, a spokesperson for the player said that he “sent a letter to the White House saying that he is deeply honoured and that it is a profound privilege to receive this recognition but that due to scheduling conflicts and prior commitments he was going to be unable to attend.
“He appreciated the gesture and noted that he hopes to have the opportunity to meet in the near future.”
Messi, who has many individual records to his name including eight Ballon d’Or awards and eight times being named FIFA’s world’s best player also supports health care and education programs for children around the world through the Leo Messi Foundation and serves as a UNICEF goodwill ambassador.
Contact the writer of this story, Nick Webster, at moc.l1736269398labto1736269398ofdlr1736269398owedi1736269398sni@o1736269398fni1736269398