President Biden confers US' highest civilian award on Hillary Clinton, George Soros, Lionel Messi

Outgoing US President Joe Biden has conferred the US' highest civilian award on 19 people, including former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, controversial philanthropist George Soros, Argentinian football star Lionel Messi and actor Denzel Washington, for their contributions to America and the world. However, due to a scheduling conflict, Argentinian football star Messi could not be present in person at the White House to receive the award from the US president. ': Biden's emotional message “For the final time as President, I have the honour of bestowing the Medal of Freedom on our nation's highest civilian honour on a group of extraordinary, truly extraordinary people who gave their sacred effort, their sacred effort, to shape the culture and the cause of America,” Biden said at a glittering function in the East Room of the White House. Former president Bill Clinton, several of his Cabinet members including Defence Secretary Loyd Austin along with several celebrities were present in the East Room of the White House during the awards ceremony Saturday afternoon.