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Lionel Messi Honored with Presidential Medal of Freedom Amid Controversy Over Other Recipients

Soccer icon Lionel Messi was recently honored with the prestigious Presidential Medal of Freedom but was unable to attend the ceremony at the White House. President Joe Biden presented the medal, the highest civilian honor in the United States, which recognizes individuals for exceptional contributions to society, global peace, or other significant endeavors. Messi, who currently plays for Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami, cited scheduling conflicts as the reason for his absence. His management team and club informed the White House in advance.

Messi joined Inter Miami in 2023, marking a historic transition from his celebrated European and Argentinian career to the U.S. soccer scene. Widely regarded as the greatest player in soccer history, Messi has an unparalleled record with eight Ballon d’Or titles and 45 team trophies, including four UEFA Champions Leagues, two Copa Americas, and a FIFA World Cup. He is also recognized for his philanthropic work through the Messi Foundation, which supports health and education initiatives for children worldwide, and his role as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.

Although Messi has not publicly acknowledged the award on social media, he expressed his deep gratitude, calling the honor a “profound privilege.” Major League Soccer celebrated Messi’s achievement in a brief statement, while President Biden noted the impact of Messi’s arrival in the U.S., particularly during the 2024 Copa America tournament, where soccer’s popularity among Americans grew significantly. Biden previously congratulated Messi after Argentina’s 2022 World Cup victory with a lighthearted social media post predicting a bright future for the player.

The ceremony, however, was not without controversy. Alongside Messi, other recipients of the medal included NBA legend Magic Johnson, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and billionaire philanthropist George Soros. Clinton and Soros’s awards sparked backlash, particularly among conservative commentators, who criticized Clinton’s handling of past controversies and Soros’s funding of progressive initiatives. Online reactions ranged from outrage to debate over the recipients’ qualifications.

Messi has largely avoided political discourse throughout his career. Previous incidents, such as his refusal to play in a 2024 exhibition match in Hong Kong, led to unfounded speculation about political motives, which Messi vehemently denied. He reiterated his commitment to staying neutral, emphasizing that his decisions were based on personal or professional factors, not politics.

 

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