Lionel Messi breaks silence on ‘Biden snub’ for skipping Presidential Medal of Freedom ceremony

Lionel Messi has addressed his absence from the Presidential Medal of Freedom ceremony, citing scheduling conflicts as the reason he couldn’t attend. Argentina's forward #10 Lionel Messi gestures during the 2026 FIFA World Cup South American qualifiers football match between Argentina and Peru Here’s why Lionel Messi skipped Presidential Medal ceremony The Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honour in the United States, is awarded to individuals who have made “outstanding contributions to the nation's prosperity, values, security, global peace, or other significant societal or personal achievements,” as stated by the White House. However, according to US Express, after learning in December that he would receive the prestigious honour from President Joe Biden, Messi sent a letter to the White House expressing his gratitude. Some criticized his absence, calling it "disrespectful" and even suggesting he “ghosted the president of the United States.” Hillary Clinton, George Soros, more received the highest US civilian honour Before Donald Trump’s inauguration as the 47th US President, Joe Biden awarded the Medal to prominent figures spanning politics, sports, entertainment, civil rights, LGBTQ advocacy, and science.