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Lionel Messi releases statement after failing to attend White House ceremony for rare honour.

Lionel Messi was one of 19 people to receive the special honour but was not in attendance at the White House.

Lionel Messi has responded after he failed to attend a ceremony at the White House to receive the highest honour a civilian can receive in the United States.

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner made the move across the pond in July 2023, signing for David Beckham's Inter Miami in a game-changing transfer.

With 34 goals in 39 games, Messi has led the Herons to triumphs in both the Leagues Cup and MLS Supporters' Shield - and brought a whole of new eyes on the league with his sheer star power.

And the 37-year-old's Michael Jordan-like impact has been commemorated with an impressive accolade. The Argentina legend was one of 19 "great leaders" to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

The medal 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".

As well as his incredible career on the pitch, Messi has been acknowledged for his work in improving healthcare and education as part of his role as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and his own foundation.

Other names on the list include NBA legend Earvin 'Magic' Johnson, Hillary Clinton, Denzel Washington and Michael J.Fox

Inter Miami said Messi was unable to attend due to scheduling conflicts, with the player himself sending a letter.

As per Fabrizio Romano, Messi said: "It’s a great honor to receive this recognition. I’m truly grateful for it. Unfortunately, I have a prior commitment and won’t be able to attend the ceremony at the White House on January 4. But I deeply appreciate this gesture.”

It is also noted that in the near future, Messi hopes to be able to meet in person in to receive the medal, which was placed around the neck of all members of the exclusive club by 46th US President Joe Biden on Saturday.

In 2019, Barcelona's record goalscorer Messi received the Creu de Sant Jordi (the Saint George's Cross) award in Catalonia, becoming the second footballer after Johan Cruyff to receive the honour from the Catalan government since it was created in 1981.

Source: https://www.sportbible.com/football/mls/lionel-messi-white-house-inter-miami-barcelona-791304-20250105

ee

GOAT

Messi is simply the best from the rest.

That engagement that is more important than white house honour and not just honour but the highest to be awarded to a civilian hmmmm. I'm curious to know

Alright, if he get reason not to be present

AGBA!!!

My GOAT receiving the highest award awarded to civilians in the greatest nation on the mf earth.

The other one can't relate because he's accustomed to getting rakunmi awards every year through oluwole backdoor.

Modified: Anyone that can't take football banter should leave the thread. No be by force

Tpain is not on the list? Ojoro

Na em business

Chief baller

It's like the GOAT doesn't really send some of these awards again regardless of the prestige. His apology shows that it wasn't a deliberate snub and I believe he'd receive his medal at a later date. RAISE A GLASS to the first footballer to receive a PRESIDENTIAL MEDAL OF FREEDOM!

If it was the desert bandit now, he'd cancel all existing and future appointments for the next one week, shine 40 sets of teeth in front of Biden, give a 4-hour interview right there on why Saudi is better than the Bundesliga and MLS and create several youtube contents over the occasion

Simple.

One mustn't attend all events.

Messi avoiding any association with LGB…. Government with style

I know my Goat

"Lionel Messi has responded after he failed to attend a ceremony at the White House to receive the highest honour a civilian can receive in the United States "


Just in how many months in the USA


What's greatness again

André Lionel Messi Cuccitini.....the GOAT!

Shalaye. They for invite Ronaldo.

He doesn't want to be seen with crooked Joe Biden simple

Messi the GOAT has graduated from football awards to receiving government awards.

There are levels to this.

Treasure17:
Shalaye. They for invite Ronaldo.

if he Worth am , Dem for invite am.

EponObi:
AGBA!!!

My GOAT receiving the highest award awarded to civilians in the greatest nation on the mf earth.

The other one can't relate because he's accustomed to getting rakunmi awards every year through oluwole backdoor.

Men worshipper! I won't be surprised if you are one of those bots (an euphemism for zombies) that idolizes the man that promised to feed his people with cassava and maize

EponObi:
AGBA!!!

My GOAT receiving the highest award awarded to civilians in the greatest nation on the mf earth.

The other one can't relate because he's accustomed to getting rakunmi awards every year through oluwole backdoor.

and both of them don't know you exist stop the comparison

Okay

The G.O.A.T

Why are they calling Messi goat? Is that his second name or nickname or moniker on nairaland?

Smart move from Messi.
Staying neutral because of his brand identity.

Greatest of all . . . . . . .

Negroid001:
Smart move from Messi.
Staying neutral because of his brand identity.

There’s nothing partisan about a national honour