The real question is: what could Lionel Messi have had that was so important to do to defeat Joe Biden who wanted to pin the Medal of Freedom on his chest? Other big names such as Bono, former basketball star Earvin “Magic” Johnson and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton attended the ceremony at the White House, but Messi had “a commitment made previously” and so he informed the presidency of the United States that “thank you, that will be for another time”. The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the United States’ highest civilian honor and the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner – who now plays in the United States for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer – is the first Argentine to receive it and the first footballer male (in 2022 Biden handed it over to US women’s soccer star Megan Rapinoe), but his representatives made it known that he had already made a commitment. “The White House informed FIFA, who informed the club in late December, that Leo would receive this recognition,” the statement read. “Leo, through the club, sent a letter to the White House saying he was deeply honored and that it is a great privilege to receive this recognition, but that due to scheduling conflicts and prior commitments he would not be able to attend.
He appreciated the gesture and noted that he hopes to have the opportunity to meet with us in the near future.” The award is given to individuals who have made “exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, to world peace, or to other important social endeavors, public or private.” Messi received the award as “the most decorated player in the history of professional football. He supports health care and education programs for children around the world through the Leo Messi Foundation and serves as a Unicef Goodwill Ambassador.” All commitments that kept him away from the White House this evening.