Soccer icon Lionel Messi, widely hailed as one of the greatest athletes of all time, declined to attend the Presidential Medal of Freedom ceremony at the White House on Saturday.
President Joe Biden awarded the medal, the nation’s highest civilian honor, to Messi and 18 other recipients. Yet, the Argentinian superstar was notably absent, citing scheduling conflicts.
Messi, now 37, joined Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami in 2023, marking a seismic moment for American soccer. His career, spanning nearly two decades, includes 45 team trophies and eight Ballon d’Or awards. Despite his absence, the White House emphasized his contributions on and off the field.
“Leo Messi is the most decorated player in the history of professional football,” a spokesperson said during the ceremony. “Through his Messi Foundation, he supports global health and education initiatives and serves as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.”
Messi expressed his gratitude in a brief statement through his team: “I am deeply honored and humbled to receive this recognition.” However, as of Sunday, the soccer star has not posted about the award on his social media channels.
President Biden has long highlighted soccer’s growing influence in the United States. During the 2024 Copa America tournament in Atlanta, he celebrated Messi’s impact on the sport’s American audience. Following Argentina’s World Cup victory in 2022, Biden cheekily tweeted, “You know, I think that Messi guy might have a future.”
While Messi’s absence generated headlines, other honorees sparked intense debate. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and philanthropist George Soros received the Medal of Freedom, prompting outrage among conservative circles.
Critics revisited Clinton’s handling of the 2012 Benghazi attacks and her use of a private email server, which led to an FBI investigation. Soros faced backlash for his financial support of progressive prosecutors, whom critics blame for rising crime in major cities.
Blake Habyan, a conservative commentator, wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “Seriously, two of the worst people on earth.”
Biden’s administration defended the choices, pointing to Clinton’s decades of public service and Soros’ philanthropic efforts in promoting democracy and human rights. “These individuals embody the ideals of courage, vision, and leadership,” a White House representative said.
Despite the controversy surrounding other recipients, Messi’s career has largely steered clear of political entanglements. However, a 2024 incident in Hong Kong briefly drew political speculation. Messi chose not to play in an exhibition match, fueling baseless rumors from China’s state-run media about “political motives.”
Messi dismissed the claims in a video statement: “I’ve heard people say my decision had political reasons. That’s simply untrue.”
Messi’s journey from Rosario, Argentina, to global superstardom has inspired millions. As debates rage over political honorees, his recognition highlights a rare unifying moment.
Amid a divided political landscape, Messi’s achievements—both athletic and humanitarian—offer a testament to the enduring power of sport to bridge cultural and ideological divides.
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He went and bought a box of Cracker Jack’s instead!
How cruel are Joe Biden\’s handlers to dump into his hands the precious medals to give to those unworthy and trouble makers. It\’s a good thing that Messi was no show! LH