Lionel Messi Skips Medal of Freedom Ceremony Amid Controversy

Soccer legend Lionel Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes of all time, was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom on Saturday. However, Messi was notably absent from the White House ceremony, citing scheduling conflicts through his management team and Inter Miami, his Major League Soccer (MLS) club.

Messi’s Contribution to the World

The White House highlighted Messi’s exceptional contributions to sports and global philanthropy. The announcement emphasized his work through the Messi Foundation, which supports health and education programs for children, and his role as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.

MLS also congratulated Messi via social media, though neither Messi nor Inter Miami had acknowledged the award publicly at the time. Messi expressed his gratitude, stating it was a “profound privilege” to receive the honor.

The Medal of Freedom and Controversy

The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian award in the United States, recognizing individuals for their exemplary contributions to society. President Biden awarded the medal to 19 recipients, including Magic Johnson, Hillary Clinton, and George Soros.

While Messi’s absence was understandable, the inclusion of Clinton and Soros sparked widespread backlash. Critics referenced Clinton’s handling of events such as the Libya war and Benghazi attack, as well as her controversial email practices. Soros faced criticism for funding progressive policies, with opponents blaming him for rising crime rates in major cities.

Messi’s Political Neutrality

Throughout his career, Messi has remained politically neutral. In 2011, he distanced himself from an Argentine politician who used his image without consent. Recently, in February 2024, Messi stayed on the bench during an exhibition match in Hong Kong, prompting speculation about political motives. However, Messi refuted these claims, insisting his decisions were unrelated to politics.

Messi’s Record-Breaking Career

At 37, Messi holds numerous records, including eight Ballon d’Or awards and 45 team trophies, such as four UEFA Champions Leagues, two Copa Americas, and one FIFA World Cup. Since joining Inter Miami in 2023, Messi has played a pivotal role in elevating soccer’s popularity in the US, a fact Biden acknowledged during the 2024 Copa America.