Chose childhood friends over Biden: Messi spends time in Rosario instead of attending U.S. award ceremony
Yasmine Green
Dailysports's expert
Translated by the editors
Lionel Messi has once again demonstrated his deep connection to his childhood roots, prioritizing a gathering with friends from his youth team over attending a prestigious ceremony in the United States. Post United shared a photo of Messi spending time with his former teammates from Newell’s Old Boys at his home in Rosario.
Messi reportedly hosted his childhood friends, emphasizing his humility and enduring loyalty to those who knew him before he became a global icon.
Notably, Messi chose not to cancel this gathering despite being invited by U.S. President Joe Biden to a ceremony where he was to be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
The football star expressed his gratitude to President Biden for the honor but declined the invitation, citing his presence outside the U.S. as the reason.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian honor in the United States, making Messi’s decision a testament to his personal values and strong ties to his origins.
