On Saturday, President Joe Biden awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest honor for civilians in the U.S., to 19 individuals at the White House. These awards recognized their outstanding achievements and contributions to society. Among the honorees was soccer superstar Lionel Messi, though he couldn’t attend the ceremony due to scheduling conflicts. Messi, known for his incredible impact on and off the field, was recognized for his work as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and his philanthropic efforts through the Leo Messi Foundation, which focuses on improving healthcare and education.

Messi sent a heartfelt message to the White House in December, expressing his gratitude for this recognition. He stated that while he was deeply honored by the award, he had prior commitments that made it impossible for him to attend. His team shared that Messi appreciated the gesture and hopes to meet President Biden in person someday.

Other notable recipients of the Medal of Freedom included Magic Johnson, a co-owner of MLS team LAFC, as well as Hillary Clinton and other influential figures from various fields.

Lionel Messi’s legacy continues to grow both as a player and a global icon. Already the most decorated men’s soccer player in history with 45 team trophies, Messi’s influence on American soccer has been monumental since joining Inter Miami in 2023. In just 19 matches, he scored 20 goals and provided 16 assists, helping Inter Miami win their first-ever trophy. He also earned the MLS MVP award this season and led the team to an impressive MLS regular-season record of 74 points.

The 37-year-old from Rosario, Argentina, has won nearly every major competition in his career. His crowning achievement came in 2022 when he led Argentina to victory in the FIFA World Cup, their first since 1986. Messi’s journey is a testament to his unparalleled skill and dedication both on the field and in his humanitarian efforts.