Lionel Messi awarded highest civilian honour in the United States of America
Football’s greatest player, former FC Barcelona legend and the current star player of Major League Soccer club Inter Miami CF, Lionel Andres Messi aka Lionel Messi has been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honour in the United States of America. He was one of the 19 recipients of the honorary award presented by the White House on January 4, 2025.
The Argentine great however couldn’t attend the award ceremony in person, “due to a scheduling conflict and prior commitments”, as said by his club Inter Miami in an official statement. The club also stated that “Messi communicated to the White House ahead of the event that he is deeply honoured”. The club also stated that Messi hopes to meet them in the future when they have the opportunity.
USA President Joe Biden was present during the award ceremony. He even said (quoting CNBC TV18), “As cultural icons, … humanitarians, rock stars, sports stars, you feed the hungry, you give hope to those who are hurting, and you craft the signs and sounds of our movements and our memories. It’s amazing…you inspire, and you bring healing and joy to so many lives that otherwise wouldn’t be touched”. Among other recipients of the award were former Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, philanthropist-billionaire George Soros, and many other famous dignitaries.
Lionel Messi in the USA
The Presidential Medal of Freedom adds another jewel to the already shiny crown of the greatest footballer of all time. Leo achieved this feat after a wonderful season with Inter Miami CF, the club he joined for free in July 2023, from Paris Saint Germain of France. Messi helped the US side win the Leagues Cup and the MLS Supporters’ Shield already.
In just 39 appearances with the club, he has a magical 34 goals and 18 assists. During his time in the country, he has also been awarded the Ballon d’Or and FIFA The Best Award. He also successfully defended the Copa America title with Argentina in 2024, a tournament hosted in the United States of America.
Messi was the star player in this tournament too. He was also judged the American top tier’s Most Valuable Player (MVP), for his enormous contribution despite missing 15 regular season matches. Alongside the eight Ballon d’Ors and multiple football glories, this award will surely be counted as one of the greatest achievements.
The 37-year-old 1.7 m player looks in no mood to stop here. He is expected to return with a bang, even after winning the FIFA World Cup, Copa America, plenty of La Liga titles, Ligue 1 titles, UEFA Champions League titles, and much more.
Lionel Messi also supports healthcare and education programs for children, through his Leo Messi Foundation. He is also a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.
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