Lionel Messi was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom | First Male Foolballer

THE ARGENTINIAN FOOTBALL LEGEND  Lionel Messi was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States, by President Joe Biden.

Lionel Messi is the first Argentine to receive the honor and became  the first male football player.

messi did not attend the ceremony at the White House due to his scheduling conflicts and prior commitments.

“Leo messi, sent a letter to the White House saying that he is deeply honored 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 in the near future,” the statement added.

The award is given 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,” according to the White House.

The White House statement said that Messi had been given the award as “the most decorated player in the history of professional football. He supports healthcare and education programs for children around the world through the Leo Messi Foundation and serves as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.”

Messi has won 46 titles for club and country during his career, including four UEFA Champions Leagues, two Copa Americas and one FIFA World Cup. He has also won eight Ballon d’Or awards and named FIFA’s world’s best player eight times.

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