Lionel Messi has released a statement on social media to explain why he was not present at the White House to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom on Saturday. The Inter Miami forward was awarded the United States' highest civilian honor by outgoing U.

On Saturday at the White House, President Joe Biden presented the Presidential Medal of Freedom to honor 19 people for their distinguished accomplishments. One person who was absent from that ceremony was Argentina soccer legend and Inter Miami star Lionel Messi,

Magic Johnson and Lionel Messi are among 19 people receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Joe Biden, the White House announced Saturday, the morning of the awards. The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the United States’ highest civilian honor.

The White House says Lionel Messi was unable to accept the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Joe Biden Saturday due to a scheduling issue.

Lionel Messi was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States, by President Joe Biden on Saturday but did not attend the ceremony at the White House.

Lionel Messi has been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by United States President Joe Biden, but the Argentina star was notably absent from

Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson and international soccer star Lionel Messi are among 19 people being honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom

Barcelona icon Lionel Messi will soon be the recipient of an altogether prestigious individual award.As much will come by way of none other than the government of the USA, in recognition of the

US President Joe Biden on Saturday honoured 19 celebrities including football great Lionel Messi and fashion icon Anna Wintour with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, shortly before the end of his term in office.

Basketball Hall of Fame member Magic Johnson and soccer great Lionel Messi are among 19 people who will be honored Saturday at the White House with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.