President Joe Biden recently awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States, to 19 notable figures. Among them were soccer superstar Lionel Messi, basketball legend Magic Johnson, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and billionaire philanthropist George Soros. The medal recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to society, global peace, or U.S. values.

Lionel Messi, widely celebrated as one of the greatest soccer players of all time, was honored for his achievements on and off the field. Messi has won numerous accolades throughout his career, including eight Ballon d’Or awards, 45 team trophies, and a historic World Cup victory with Argentina in 2022. Off the field, Messi is committed to philanthropy, supporting children’s health and education worldwide through his Messi Foundation and serving as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. However, Messi was unable to attend the White House ceremony due to scheduling conflicts. His team, Inter Miami, informed the White House ahead of time about his absence. In a statement, Messi expressed his gratitude, calling the award a profound honor.

Messi’s recent move to Major League Soccer (MLS) in 2023 to join Inter Miami marked a turning point for soccer in the United States. His arrival has boosted the sport’s popularity across the nation, a fact President Biden’s re-election campaign highlighted during discussions about the growing influence of soccer in America.

Despite Messi’s recognition, the ceremony stirred controversy for other reasons. Hillary Clinton and George Soros receiving the medal sparked intense backlash online, particularly from conservative commentators. Critics revisited Clinton’s controversial tenure as Secretary of State, focusing on her handling of events in Libya and her use of a private email server for government business. Soros, a prominent Democratic donor, faced criticism for funding progressive district attorneys whose policies some claim have contributed to crime waves in major cities.

While Messi tends to avoid political entanglements, his career hasn’t been without its own share of misunderstandings. Back in 2011, an Argentine politician used Messi’s image in a campaign without permission. More recently, in February 2024, Messi decided not to play in an exhibition match in Hong Kong while on tour with Inter Miami. This decision led to unfounded speculation in Chinese media that his actions were politically motivated. Messi strongly denied these claims, explaining that his choice was unrelated to politics.

As one of the most decorated athletes in sports history, Messi’s legacy continues to grow both on and off the pitch. Whether through his record-breaking career or his philanthropic efforts, his impact remains global and enduring.