The legendary Argentine football player Lionel Messi was conspicuously missing from the recent event when U.S. President Joe Biden presented him with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Fans and the media expressed surprise at his absence, but Messi’s public relations staff said that prior obligations and schedule issues were the cause.
Messi’s Official Statement and Absence
Messi, one of the 19 awardees honored at the exclusive event, thanked everyone for the distinction and called it a great honor. Due to scheduling conflicts, the Argentine World Cup champion was unable to attend. According to a statement issued by Messi’s management, he wrote to the White House in December after finding out he had been chosen for the Medal. Messi acknowledged in the letter that he was unable to attend the event because of other obligations, but he expressed his sincere gratitude for the honor.
At the end of December, FIFA notified the Club that Leo would receive this honor after receiving word from the White House. According to the official statement, Leo wrote to the White House through the Club to express his tremendous pride and gratitude for the award, but to inform them that he would not be able to attend owing to prior obligations and schedule issues.
The highest civilian award in the US is the Presidential Medal of Freedom. It is given to those who have significantly improved the country’s ideals, wealth, security, world peace, or other societal accomplishments. Icons from a variety of industries, such as politics, athletics, entertainment, and civil rights, have previously received this honor.
Other Notable 2025 Medal Recipients
Fashion designer Ralph Lauren, basketball star Magic Johnson, and former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton were among the prominent individuals who attended Saturday’s Medal of Freedom presentation. In his opening comments, President Joe Biden highlighted the recipients’ achievements.
In his address, Biden stated, “I have the honor of bestowing the Medal of Freedom, our nation’s highest civilian honor, for the last time as president, on a group of absolutely extraordinary people, who gave their sacred effort to shape the culture and the cause of America.”
The Present Commitments and Family Time of Messi
Messi is presently on a well-earned vacation with his family following a demanding football season, however the details of his previous obligations were not made public. It appears like Messi is taking some time off to unwind and rejuvenate after his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, posted pictures of their New Year’s festivities at a calm poolside spot on Instagram.
Online responses to Messi’s absence were overwhelming. other supporters were disappointed, while other detractors referred to it as “disrespectful” and even accused the football player of “ghosting” the president. Others, on the other hand, were more sympathetic, recognizing the difficulties in arranging timetables for an event of this magnitude.
The Medal of Freedom’s Legacy
Additionally, a number of people were honored posthumously during the 2025 Medal of Freedom ceremony. Former Michigan Governor George W. Romney, civil rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer, former U.S. Secretary of Defense Ash Carter, and former Attorney General and Senator Robert F. Kennedy were among the four people who received posthumous honors. The Medal of Freedom is a noteworthy honor, highlighting individuals who have had enduring contributions to their fields and to the larger fabric of American society.
Despite his regrettable absence from the celebration, Messi’s awarding of the Presidential Medal of Freedom highlights his importance on a worldwide scale as a cultural figure as well as a football player. Millions of people are still motivated by his commitment to football and his continuous contributions to the game. Both Messi and President Joe Biden have stated their desire for a face-to-face meeting soon, so supporters worldwide will probably be anticipating one.
