The football superstar will be awarded the ‘Presidential Medal of Freedom’ at the White House on Saturday.
Another new feather is being added to the crown of Lionel Messi’s achievement. The Argentine superstar of Inter Miami has been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, America’s highest civilian award.
Outgoing US President Joe Biden will present the medal to 19 people, including footballer Messi and five-time NBA champion Irvine “Magic” Johnson, at the White House on Saturday.
This medal is honored by the US President in recognition of outstanding contributions in various fields including US security, national interest, world peace, culture.
Messi is the first male footballer to receive this honor. Two-time U.S. women’s World Cup winner Megan Rapinoe won the medal in 2022.
Messi, considered one of the greatest footballers of all time, has won the Ballon d’Or award a record eight times. He is the most successful player in football history, winning a total of 46 trophies, including one World Cup, two Copa America, four Champions Leagues.
Messi joined US club Inter Miami in June 2023 after visiting Barcelona and PSG. This was his first full season for the team. Despite being out of the field for a long time due to injury, the 37-year-old star scored 20 goals and 16 assists in 19 matches for the team. He won the Major League Soccer (MLS) Most Valuable Player award in 2024 for this outstanding performance..
Messi also serves as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF, which supports healthcare and education programs for children around the world through the Leo Messi Foundation.