Lionel Messi to get highest civilian honour in the United States from president Joe Biden alongside NBA legend
01/04/2025 09:37 AM
Lionel Messi will be a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Joe Biden on Saturday.
The footballing legend is set to be honoured with the United States’ highest civilian honour at the White House.
Messi has helped deliver great interest to Major League Soccer since signing for Inter Miami in July 2023 following a decorated career in Europe.
He will now be one of 19 recipients of a prestigious award, with the White House revealing the full list on Saturday morning.
“President Biden believes great leaders keep the faith, give everyone a fair shot, and put decency above all else,” a statement read.
“These nineteen individuals are great leaders who have made America and the world a better place.
“They are great leaders because they are good people who have made extraordinary contributions to their country and the world.”
On Messi, they added: “Lionel 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.”
Basketball legend Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson will also be awarded by President Biden this weekend.
The five-time NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers is also a three-time NBA Most Valuable Player winner.
“Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson is a legendary retired basketball player who led the Los Angeles Lakers to five championships,” the White House said.
“Off the court, he is a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist who supports underserved communities through his Magic Johnson Foundation.”
Other recipients of the award at Saturday’s ceremony are cinema legends Michael J Fox and Denzel Washington, U2 frontman Bono, former First Lady and presidential nominee Hillary Clinton and fashion giant Ralph Lauren.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is just the latest off-pitch honour for Messi since he moved to Miami.
He became the first footballer to ever be named as the Time Athlete of the Year in 2023.
Messi then delivered another excellent season for Inter Miami as they finished top of the MLS Eastern Conference.
The Argentine scored 20 goals and assisted a further ten in 19 league appearances en route to the MLS Cup play-offs.
However, Inter Miami were knocked out in the first round with defeat to Atlanta United to ensure a further wait for MLS glory.
He was still named MVP of the entire MLS for the 2024 season, though – despite missing almost half of Miami’s matches throughout the campaign.
