Outgoing USA president, Joe Biden on Saturday awarded Lionel Messi, among many famous people the 'Presidential Medal of Freedom', the highest civilian
Outgoing USA president, Joe Biden on Saturday awarded Lionel Messi, among many famous people the ‘Presidential Medal of Freedom’, the highest civilian award in the United States.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the United States of America’s highest civilian honour, awarded to individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the US, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavours.
Some Notable recipients of the Award
John F Kennedy
Ronald Reagan,
George Bush
Bill Clinton
Joe Bidden
Tiger Woods
Simeone Biles
Bill Gates
Elvis Presley
Bill Cosby
Per the New York Times, The White House has reported that Messi was chosen for his outstanding sporting career, his philanthropic commitment through the Leo Messi Foundation and his role as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.
The eight-time Balon d’Or winner’s foundation has been recognized for its support of children’s health and education programs around the world, an effort that complements its influence as one of the most influential figures in sports. Messi is the first Argentine to receive the honour and the first male soccer player.
President Joe Biden also awarded U2 singer and activist Bono, José Andrés, Lionel Messi, Hillary Clinton, Jane Goodall, Denzel Washington, former basketball star Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Ralph Lauren and many others.
What Joe Biden said
“For the final time as president, I have the honour of restoring the Medal of Freedom, our nation’s highest civilian honour, on a group of extraordinary, truly extraordinary people who gave up their sacred air … to shape the culture and the cause of America,” Biden said Saturday, naming 19 recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. “So let me just say to each of you, thank you, thank you, thank you for all you’ve done to help.”
“These 19 individuals are great leaders who have made America and the world a better place,” the statement added. “They are great leaders because they are good people who have made extraordinary contributions to their country and the world.”
Lionel Messi misses the ceremony
“The White House informed FIFA, who informed the club (Inter Miami) at the end of December that Leo was going to be awarded with this recognition,” the statement read.
“Leo, through the club, sent a letter to the White House saying that he is deeply honoured and that it is a profound privilege to receive this recognition but that due to scheduling conflicts and prior commitments, he was going to be unable to attend.
“He appreciated the gesture and noted that he hopes to have the opportunity to meet shortly,” the statement added.
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