Lionel Messi slammed for skipping America’s highest civilian honor in ceremony with President Biden
Yesterday at 03:32 AM
Lionel Messi‘s decision not to show up to receive his Presidential Medal of Freedom has been criticised.
Argentina star Messi, who plays football in America for Inter Miami, was supposed to receive his award alongside NBA legend Magic Johnson, actor Denzel Washington and a host of other big names from various fields in America's capital, Washington DC.
According to Messi’s management team, despite being ‘deeply honored’, prior commitments meant he would not be able to attend.
This didn’t sit well with former United States Men’s National Team star Alexi Lalas. “It was ridiculous and strange to award it to Messi,” he posted on X. “But if you’re going to accept the honor, then find a way to be in DC.”
The Medal of Freedom is America's highest civilian honour and, according to The White House is ‘presented to individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavors.’
In a statement revealing the recipients of the award in 2025, 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, which is co-owned by David Beckham.
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, which is given to the club in MLS with the best regular game season.
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, 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 when the 2025 season begins in February. They are also set to take part in the expanded Club World Cup, despite not winning the MLS Cup.
It will be held in the United States between June and July and Miami are in Group A with Palmeiras, Porto and Al Ahly FC.
