Lionel Messi ‘issues’ see him miss Presidential Medal of Freedom event with President Joe Biden

01/05/2025 08:14 AM

Lionel Messi did not attend President Joe Biden's Medal of Freedom event due to a 'scheduling' issue.

Messi was supposed to receive his award beside Magic Johnson, Hilary Clinton, and Denzel Washington in America's capital, Washington DC.

However, according to his management team, despite being ‘deeply honored’, prior commitments meant he would not be able to attend.

The Medal of Freedom is America's highest civilian honour but nobody was present to accept the award on his behalf.

In a statement revealing the recipients of this year’s award, the White House said: “Messi is the most decorated player in the history of professional soccer. 

“He supports healthcare and education programs for children around the world through the Leo Messi Foundation and serves as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.”

The move to hand Messi the award was already controversial as the Argentine only started living with the US in July 2023.

He moved to the United States when he left Paris Saint Germain to join Inter Miami.

Comments on social media described it as 'bull***'  and a 'f***ing joke' while others joked 'he must be a Trump guy'.

Messi has had a mixed start to life in Major Soccer League.

Last season Inter Miami were knocked out of the MLS playoffs with a shock defeat to Atlanta United, despite winning the Supporters’ Shield.

This is the usual league format which most national competitions are decided by, where as in American the ‘title winner’ is the triumphant team in the ‘MLS Cup’ which ends the playoffs.

Many football fans claimed that Messi had lost his passion for club football, but evidently they were wrong as he stormed off the pitch alongside his team after the playoff loss.

It was a reaction that led to criticism from MLS legend Landon Donovan, who questioned Messi’s sportsmanship.

Messi vowed on Instagram to “come back stronger next year” showing that his drive for silverware still remains despite being in a league most deem as below par.

However, he was still named Most Valuable Player in MLS having scored 20 goals and made 10 assists in 2024.

Following the resignation of Gerardo Martino as their manager, Inter Miami president and co-owner David Beckham acquired another former Nou Camp star as Javier Mascherano penned a three-year deal with the club.

And Mascherano knows he must deliver success in Miami, where he promised to deliver ‘unforgettable’ moments.

He told the club’s website: “To be able to lead a club like Inter Miami is an honour for me, and a privilege I will strive to make the most of.

“I was drawn to the organisation's undeniable ambition, and the infrastructure it has to support it.

“I'm looking forward to working with the people at Inter Miami to help the club reach new heights, and to give the fans more unforgettable moments.”

Mascherano has a big task on his hands to better the previous efforts of Martinez, whose side broke records on their way to winning the Supporters’ Shield.

Inter Miami will be back in action during February as the MLS schedule differs to most European leagues starting and ending in winter.

They are also set to take part in the expanded Club World Cup, despite not winning the MLS Cup.