Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by United States President Joe Biden.
Messi was one of the 19 great leaders recognised with the prestigious award.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the U.S highest civilian honour, 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.
The honorees “are great leaders because they are good people who have made extraordinary contributions to their country and the world,” the White House said in a statement.
The club captain supports healthcare and education programs for children around the world through the Leo Messi Foundation and serves as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.
Messi, who was unable to attend due to a scheduling conflict and prior commitments, had communicated to the White House ahead of the event that he is deeply honored and it is a profound privilege to receive this recognition.
Others honored in this year’s crop are the founder of the World Central Kitchen NGO, chef Jose Andres and primate researcher, Jane Goodall, who is a leading environmentalist voice.
Biden also chose to posthumously award a Presidential Medal of Freedom to Robert Francis Kennedy, better known as “Bobby” Kennedy or his initials, “RFK”, who served as U.S. attorney general while his brother John F. Kennedy was president, and was assassinated in 1968 while campaigning for the Democratic presidential nomination.
“His legacy continues to inspire those committed to justice, equality, and public service,” Biden said in his statement.
