Lionel Messi has been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, America’s highest civilian honour, in an extraordinary gesture by outgoing commander-in-chief Joe Biden
Lionel Messi has been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in an extraordinary gesture from President Joe Biden.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is the recipient of America’s highest civilian honour, with the award only 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 endeavours.”
Messi moved to the US last summer when he joined MLS side Inter Miami, co-owned by David Beckham and is said to have been honoured for his success on the field and his charity work away from the game. The Argentine was credited with “supporting healthcare and education programs for children around the world through the Leo Messi Foundation and serves as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.”
The 37-year-old was unable to inspire Inter Miami to MLS Cup glory as The Herons were knocked out in a major upset in their first playoff tie, having won the regular season Eastern Conference.
However, Messi did lead Argentina to Copa America glory in America last summer after captaining his country to a third World Cup in 2022. Messi was also named the MLS Most Valuable Player for 2024 after scoring 20 goals and registering 10 assists in just 19 MLS games in an injury-hit season that also coincided with his Copa America duties.
Messi is one of two athletes to have been honoured by the ongoing president, with basketball icon ‘Magic’ Johnson also receiving the merit. The two join a list of fellow sports stars who have previously been given the Medal of Freedom in recent years, joining Tiger Woods, Megan Rapinoe and Olympic legends Simone Biles and Katie Ledecky.
Johnson has been recognised for his success with the Los Angeles Lakers, where he won five NBA championships, as well as his work off the court including his entrepreneurial success and foundation work. “He is a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist who supports underserved communities through his Magic Johnson Foundation,” read the White House statement.
The awards will be presented at the White House on Saturday, July 4 to the 19 recipients, who also include U2 frontman Bono, Hillary Clinton and Hollywood stars Michael J. Fox and Denzel Washington.
Former US Presidential candidate Robert F Kennedy, who was assassinated in 1968, will also be posthumously honoured. “President Biden believes great leaders keep the faith, give everyone a fair shot, 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’s future with Inter Miami looked unclear following their MLS disappointment, but with the 37-year-old still under contract until December 2025 and the prestigious honour he’s set to receive, Messi remaining in the MLS to play under newly-appointed Inter Miami coach and his former Barcelona team-mate Javier Mascherano looks more certain.
