For this reason, Messi did not attend the Presidential Medal of Freedom ceremony

Soccer star Lionel Messi was unable to accept the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Joe Biden on Saturday due to scheduling constraints.

Messi, Argentina’s World Cup winner, was conspicuously absent during the ceremony where 18 other recipients received the highest civilian honor in the United States.

Messi sent a letter to the White House to inform officials that he would not be able to attend after learning in December that he would receive the honor, Messi’s management team and Inter Miami told USA TODAY Sports.

Messi said he was deeply honored and a great privilege to receive the recognition, but was unable to attend due to scheduling conflicts and previous commitments. Messi appreciated the gesture and said he hoped to have the opportunity to meet Biden soon.

Hillary Rodham Clinton, basketball legend Magic Johnson, fashion designer Ralph Lauren, U2 frontman Bono, actors Michael J. Fox and Denzel Washington and popular education host Bill Nye were among the recipients Saturday.

The 37-year-old Messi is the most decorated player in professional soccer history and ended his legendary career in the United States with Inter Miami of Major League Soccer.

Messi has won 46 titles for club and country throughout his career, including four UEFA Champions Leagues, two Copa Americas and one FIFA World Cup. He has also won the Ballon d’Or eight times and was voted the best player in the world by FIFA eight times.

Messi was named MLS MVP last year in his first full season, scoring 20 goals and 16 assists in 19 games as his club set a league record with a season-high 74 points.

Messi will begin a busy 2025 at Inter Miami later this month, which includes taking part in the FIFA Club World Cup this summer.

Messi has not yet declared whether he will take part in the 2026 World Cup, which will take place in the USA, Canada and Mexico.

The White House recognized Messi for “supporting health and education programs for children around the world through the Leo Messi Foundation and serving as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.”

The Presidential Medal of Freedom is considered the country’s highest civilian honor. It is awarded to individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values or security of the United States, to world peace, or to other significant social, public or private endeavors.

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For this reason, Messi did not attend the Presidential Medal of Freedom ceremony

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