Joe Biden awards Lionel Messi the Presidential Medal of Freedom
Liam Carter
Dailysports's expert
Translated by the editors
The legendary Lionel Messi continues to make headlines not only on the football pitch but also beyond it.
Details. The Inter Miami star has been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by U.S. President Joe Biden.
This is the highest civilian honor in the United States, granted only to "individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant public, state, or private endeavors."
Messi received the award for his achievements on the field and his philanthropic efforts off it, “supporting health and education programs for children worldwide through the Leo Messi Foundation and serving as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.”
The Argentine is one of two athletes honored by the outgoing president, alongside basketball legend Magic Johnson.
Among other sports stars who have received the Medal of Freedom in recent years are Tiger Woods, Megan Rapinoe, and Olympic champions Simone Biles and Katie Ledecky.
Reminder. Messi moved to the United States last summer when he joined MLS side Inter Miami.
The 37-year-old captain of the Argentine national team and World Cup winner has played only 39 games for the Miami-based team.
Lionel led Inter Miami to their first-ever trophy, the Leagues Cup, in 2023, though last year they were eliminated in the first round of the MLS playoffs.
