Why didn't Messi go to White House to receive 'Medal of Freedom' from Joe Biden?

Lionel Messi receives the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States | Photo: Instagram

Lionel Messi has changed the world of sports in the United States in just two years. Messi has not only contributed to football but also to child health and education. 

In recognition of this, Messi has now received the highest civilian honor in the United States, the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Messi became only the second footballer to receive the award after US women's footballer Megan Rapinoe. He was due to receive the medal from outgoing US President Joe Biden last night. However, the Argentina captain was unable to attend the White House awards ceremony.

Messi, however, expressed his regret for not being able to attend the awards ceremony due to personal reasons. The World Cup-winning Argentine star did not stop at expressing his regret but also sent a letter explaining the reason for his absence. The fact that Messi sent a letter to the White House has been confirmed by several European media outlets, including Messi's club Inter Miami.

Lionel Messi explains why he was not at the White House to receive Presidential Medal of Freedom:

"The White House informed FIFA, which informed the club at the end of December that Leo was to be awarded this recognition. Leo, through the club, sent a letter to the White House…

— Luis Mazariegos (@luism8989) January 4, 2025

In a statement after Messi won the award, Inter Miami wrote, "Leo (Messi) sent a message to the White House. In which Messi said that he is greatly honored and privileged to receive this recognition. However, due to conflicting schedules and prior commitments, he will not be able to attend the ceremony. 

However, he hopes to have the opportunity to meet him (Biden) in the near future."

Apart from Messi, a total of 19 people, including basketball legend Magic Johnson, Hollywood star Denzel Washington, Michael J. Fox, and former First Lady Hillary Clinton, have received the Presidential Medal of Freedom this year.

In a statement about the award to Messi, the White House wrote, "He is the most successful player in the history of professional soccer. He also works on children's health and education around the world as a goodwill ambassador for the Lionel Messi Foundation and UNICEF."