Magic Johnson and Lionel Messi are among 19 people receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Joe Biden, the White House announced Saturday, the morning of the awards. The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the United States' highest civilian honor.
Inter Miami star Lionel Messi has been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in an extraordinary move by Joe Biden.
It is America's highest civilian honor, reserved only for '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.'
Messi moved to the US last summer, when he joined Inter Miami - the Major League Soccer team co-owned by David Beckham.
The 37-year-old, the captain of Argentina and a World Cup winner, has played just 39 games for Inter Miami. He did, however, lead his country to Copa America glory on American soil last summer.
Messi is one of two athletes being honored by the outgoing president, alongside basketball legend 'Magic' Johnson.
Other sports stars to have received the Medal of Freedom in recent years include Tiger Woods, Megan Rapinoe and Olympic heroes Simone Biles and Katie Ledecky.
Biden will posthumously honor Robert F Kennedy, the former US attorney general and senator who was assassinated in 1968.
'President Biden believes great leaders keep the faith, give everyone a fair shot, and put decency above all else,' the White House said.
'These nineteen Americans are great leaders who have made America a better place. They are great leaders because they are good people who have made extraordinary contributions to their country and the world.'
Messi has received the award for his success on the field and his charity work off it, 'supporting healthcare and education programs for children around the world through the Leo Messi Foundation and serves as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.'
kingfab0
259
Meanwhile in the temperatures of Saudi
Wakkufazire
218
Messi brought major league score to the best leagues in world, he well deserved it 👏 Joe Biden thank you for appreciating the Goat 🐐
Yicbdinpry
160
Pains go straight to saudi 😆 🤣 😂 😹
yesbdnorst
138
Someone in the desert just got hurt....GOAT for a reason. please don't tell me this one is rigged
akaonceChelseaBarca
125
Stop hating, He is God of football.
Denisliverpool❤️
57
I don't regret choosing you as my GOAT
coteknos
26
How can anyone think Messi is deserving of a United States Medal of Freedom? He’s the GOAT but what has he done to be a US wat hero or very very specially contribute to protect the United States from enemies both external or internal . Career politicians looking for votes for their political parties!! Messi is the GOAT but this is like giving something bigger than the Ballon D’or to an astronaut!
Puccdlmouy
25
Messi had paid the price of whatever award he received now. Hail to THE KING OF FOOTBALL in all ages. If Messi is not an American, what continent is he from then?
seadlpruy
13
Madrid players will say vinicious deserved it😂