Lionel Messi awarded highest civilian honor of the USA; snubs ceremony for ‘prior commitment’ 

Argentinian star Lionel Messi who was recently awarded the United States' Presidential Medal of Freedom, missed out on the ceremony.

Lionel Messi awarded highest civilian honor of the USA; snubs ceremony for ‘prior commitment’ 

Lionel Messi became the first footballer to win the United States Presidential Medal of Freedom. (via i24 News)

Argentine skipper and Inter Miami star Lionel Messi reached a new high, after he received the United States Presidential Medal of Freedom for his contributions to football. However, Messi skipped the ceremony hosted by the US President, citing prior commitments. 

Lionel Messi was among the 18 individuals to receive United States’ highest civilian honor. He was one of the two sportsmen to be recognized by President Joe Biden, alongside ex-NBA player Magic Johnson. Apart from these two, Hillary Clinton, Bono and Denzel Washington were among the other recipients.

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In a letter to the US President, the Argentine expressed his gratitude. He also noted his inability to attend the ceremony owing to scheduling conflicts and prior commitments. Nonetheless, it makes the 37-year-old star, the most decorated player in the history of professional football as well as the first to receive the medal. He is currently enjoying his final years in the US, playing for MLS side Inter Miami.

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Messi has enjoyed momentous success and popularity, leading Miami to their first Supporters’ Shield title this season. Apart from his recent heroics, the ex-Barcelona star has had a memorable footballing career, winning 46 titles for both club and country. He has also claimed a record eight Ballon d’Or titles, and another eight FIFA Best Player of the Year awards. 

Meanwhile, the Argentinian star begins playing soon, when Inter Miami takes on Sporting Kansas in a CONCACAF Champions League encounter in February. The Herons also participate in the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup this summer in the United States.

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NFL legend Brett Favre protests against Lionel Messi’s recent Presidential Medal feat

Lionel Messi was most recently awarded the US Presidential Award for Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor. His win has, however, been challenged by ex-Green Bay Packers star and NFL legend Brett Favre in a recent social media post. 

Brett Favre on Lionel Messi medal
NFL legend Brett Favre reacted to Lionel Messi and many others receiving the President Medal of Freedom. (via X)

The internet has been stirred by US President Joe Biden’s decision to honor Lionel Messi and many others’ achievements. Favre reacted on social media by exclaiming that he has been rendered speechless by the White House’s selections. He added to the controversy surrounding Messi’s win, as the medal is supposed to be awarded primarily to US citizens. 

Not just Brett Favre, but X CEO Elon Musk also reacted to the awardee list by terming it as a ‘travesty’. Musk also called out Biden awarding the Presidential Medal to controversial philanthropist and investor George Soros.