Soccer legend Lionel Messi was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom alongside NBA Hall of Famer Magic Johnson, but he did not attend the ceremony to receive the medal from President Biden due to scheduling conflicts. Messi joined Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami in 2023, marking one of the biggest recruitments in the league’s history. The White House recognized Messi as the most decorated player in professional football, known for his philanthropic work through the Messi Foundation and as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. While congratulatory messages were shared by Major League Soccer and the White House, neither Inter Miami nor Messi himself publicly acknowledged the award at the time.
Biden’s re-election campaign highlighted Messi’s arrival in Major League Soccer as a significant moment for soccer’s growing popularity among U.S. audiences, particularly during the 2024 Copa America tournament. The absence of Messi at the ceremony led to controversy, especially when it was announced that former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and billionaire George Soros were also recipients of the award. Critics cited Clinton’s handling of the war in Libya and the Benghazi attack, as well as Soros’s past campaign funding of progressive district attorneys linked to crime waves in Blue cities. While Messi has not expressed prominent political beliefs, he distanced himself from a politician who used his likeness without consent in the past.
In a separate incident, Messi’s decision not to play in an exhibition match in Hong Kong in February 2024 sparked speculation and controversy. This led to the cancellation of one of Argentina’s friendly matches scheduled to be played in China. Chinese state-run media suggested that Messi’s actions had political motives and were meant to embarrass Hong Kong, but Messi denied these claims, stating that his decision was not politically driven. Despite these controversies, Messi, a widely regarded as one of the greatest soccer players of all time, has achieved numerous individual and team accolades, including eight Ballon d’Or awards and eight FIFA World’s Best Player titles.
Messi’s profile in the world of sports is characterized by his exceptional talent and his philanthropic efforts through the Messi Foundation. While he has refrained from expressing strong political views, his actions, such as the refusal to play in certain matches, have inadvertently been interpreted in a political context by some. Despite controversies surrounding other recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Messi remains focused on his career and continuing to make a positive impact on and off the field. Through his achievements and dedication to various causes, Messi has solidified his legacy as one of the most successful and influential athletes of his generation, both on the soccer field and in his humanitarian work.
