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Soccer legend, Lionel Messi was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by United States President Joe Biden on Saturday and made history in the process, with recipients of the highest civilian honour convening at the White House for the ceremony.
Messi who has had an illustrious career now plies his trade in the United States for Major League Soccer's Inter Miami.
History made by Messi
The Argentine World Cup winner and eight times Ballon d'Or winner who has played in several leagues became the first Argentine to receive the honour and the first male soccer player.
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He also goes down in history as the first Argentine to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Soccer legend Lionel Messi awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by United States President Joe Biden
USA women's soccer star Megan Rapinoe was the first soccer player to be honoured with the medal in 2022.
Why Messi missed Presidential Medal of Freedom Award ceremony
Through his representatives, Messi explained his absence at the awards ceremony, stating that he had prior commitments in a statement distributed by Major League Soccer's Inter Miami.
Leo, through the club, sent a letter to the White House saying that he is deeply honored and that it is a profound privilege to receive this recognition but that due to scheduling conflicts and prior commitments he was going to be unable to attend.
Soccer legend Lionel Messi awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by United States President Joe Biden
The White House informed FIFA, who informed the club at the end of December that Leo was going to be awarded with this recognition. He appreciated the gesture and noted that he hopes to have the opportunity to meet in the near future.
Messi's exemplary contributions & charity initiatives
According to the White House, the prestigious award is given 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 endeavors."
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian honour in the United States.
Messi made the cut and joined the exclusive group with the White House hailing his exploits in sports and support for healthcare and education programs through his Leo Messi Foundation and as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.
Soccer legend Lionel Messi awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by United States President Joe Biden
(Messi is) the most decorated player in the history of professional soccer. He supports healthcare and education programs for children around the world through the Leo Messi Foundation and serves as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.
Recipients of the award presented by President Joe Biden in one of his final days in office include former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, chef Jose Andres, actor Michael J. Fox and conservationist Jane Goodall.
Tim Gill, an LGBT activist; David Rubenstein, a philanthropist and co-founder of The Carlyle Group; and George Stevens Jr., a writer and director who founded the American Film Institute also received the award.
U.S. President Joe Biden presents the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Actor Denzel Washington
Others feted with the award on Saturday include humanitarian and U2 singer Bono, fashion designer Ralph Lauren, "Science Guy" Bill Nye, actor Denzel Washington, basketball star Earvin "Magic" Johnson and Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour.