Lionel Messi presented with the Presidential Medal of Freedom award, United States’ highest civilian honour

Argentina superstar footballer Lionel Messi has been honoured with the Presidential Medal of Freedom award, the highest civilian award of the United States of America.

Outgoing President Joe Biden presented the the award to 19 people. Some of the most recognized people who received the award alongside the Argentine were former secretary of state Hillary Clinton, controversial philanthropist billionaire George Soros and actor Denzel Washington. They have been recognized for their contributions to America and the world.

The Presidential Medal of Freedom is presented to individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavours.

Due to a scheduling conflict, Argentinian football star Messi could not be present in person at the White House to receive the award from the US president.

“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,” the President said during the awards ceremony on Saturday.

Messi has been pursuing his club football in the US since 2023 when he joined Major League Soccer club Inter Miami.

Under Messi’s captaincy the club won its first-ever Supporters’ Shield title last year. For his 36 goal contribution (20 goals and 16 assists ) Messi was named the Landon Donovan MLS MVP and to the MLS Best XI presented by Continental Tire.