Lionel Messi awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom as Joe Biden honors Inter Miami star in shock move
Inter Miami star Lionel Messi has been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in an extraordinary move by Joe Biden.
It is America’s highest civilian honor, reserved only for ‘individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values or security of the United States, world peace, or other important civic, public or private endeavors.”
Messi moved to the US last summer when he joined Inter Miami, the Major League Soccer team co-owned by David Beckham.
The 37-year-old, captain of Argentina and World Cup winner, played just 39 games for Inter Miami. He did lead his country to glory in the Copa America on American soil last summer.
Messi is one of two athletes honored by the outgoing president, alongside basketball legend ‘Magic’ Johnson.
Other sports stars to receive the Medal of Freedom in recent years include Tiger Woods, Megan Rapinoe and Olympic heroes Simone Biles and Katie Ledecky.
Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi has received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Joe Biden
Messi is one of two athletes to be honored, alongside basketball legend ‘Magic’ Johnson
Olympic star Simone Biles is one of several other sports stars to receive the award in recent years
This year’s awards will be presented at the White House on Saturday, July 4. The 19 winners also U2 frontman Bono, Hillary Clinton and Hollywood stars Michael J. Fox and Denzel Washington.
Biden will posthumously honor Robert F Kennedy, the former US attorney general and senator who was assassinated in 1968.
“President Biden believes that great leaders keep the faith, give everyone a fair chance, and put decency above all else,” the White House said.
“These nineteen Americans are great leaders who have made America a better place. They are great leaders because they are good people who have made extraordinary contributions to their country and the world.”
Messi received the award for his success on the pitch and his charity work off it, ‘supporting healthcare and education programs for children around the world through the Leo Messi Foundation and serving as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.’
‘Magic’ Johnson is a five-time NBA champion who shared an iconic rivalry with Larry Bird.
He is also recognized for his success with the Lakers and his work off the court.
“He is a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist who supports underserved communities through his Magic Johnson Foundation,” the White House statement said.
In December 2022, the football legend led Argentina to victory at the World Cup in Qatar
Olympic swimmer Katie Ledecky received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2024
Messi sent shockwaves through football when he joined Inter Miami. He was soon joined by former Barcelona teammates Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and Luis Suarez.
Messi led Miami to its first-ever trophy, the Leagues Cup, in 2023, but last year they were eliminated in the first round of the MLS play-offs.
During a glittering career with Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Miami and Argentina, the 37-year-old has collected dozens of team and individual accolades.
He is an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner and has won the World Cup, an Olympic gold medal and four Champions League titles.