Argentine star Lionel Messi was recently honored with the 'Medal of Freedom,' the highest distinction granted by the United States government to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to values, prosperity, or world peace. However, the absence of the Argentina National Team captain from the ceremony led by President Joe Biden has sparked curiosity and discussions in the sports and social spheres.

Commitments in Argentina

The main reason Lionel Messi did not attend the event at the White House lies in prior commitments in his native Argentina. According to close sources, the Inter Miami player had planned a series of activities in his home country, preventing him from traveling to the United States to receive the award. Messi informed the U.S. government in advance about his inability to attend and expressed his intention to collect the medal at a later date when he returns to the United States.

A gesture of gratitude

Despite his absence, Messi sent a message of gratitude to President Joe Biden through a letter managed by Inter Miami. In the letter, Messi described it as a "profound honor" to be awarded this distinction and regretted being unable to attend due to his tight schedule. "I sincerely value this gesture and hope to receive it personally in the future," the message read.

A ceremony filled with renowned names

The event at the White House gathered notable figures such as Spanish chef José Andrés, former basketball player Magic Johnson, actors Michael J. Fox and Denzel Washington, and singer Bono from the band U2, among others. These personalities were recognized alongside Messi for their significant contributions in various fields, further solidifying the prestige of this award.

Messi, a global icon

This recognition adds to the extensive list of achievements of Lionel Messi, both on and off the field. Beyond his sporting success, which includes his recent triumph as a world champion with Argentina in Qatar 2022, the player has been acknowledged for his impact on social and cultural domains, embodying values that transcend football.