Messi does not appear at meeting with Biden in which he would receive the highest civilian honor from the USA

Inter Miami star Lionel Messi was one of 19 chosen to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award granted by the United States government, but he did not go to collect it. During the ceremony led by President Joe Biden, this Saturday, the only elected official who was not present and did not even send a representative was the Argentine star, who claimed a scheduling conflict.

“The White House informed FIFA, which notified Inter Miami at the end of December that Leo would receive this recognition. Leo, through his club, sent a letter to the White House saying he was deeply honored, but that, due to conflicts of schedule and previously scheduled appointments, he was unable to attend. He thanked us and said he hopes to have the opportunity to be present in the near future”, said the player’s press office in a note sent to the British newspaper The Mirror.

In addition to Messi, the only athlete honored was former basketball player Magic Johnson. The medal was also awarded to names such as singer Bono Vox, from U2, businessman and philanthropist George Soros, politician and former first lady Hilary Clinton, actors Michael J. Fox and Denzel Washington, fashion designer Ralph Lauren and journalist Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief of Vogue.