Why didn't Lionel Messi go to White House to receive Presidential Medal of Freedom from Joe Biden?
CBSN
The Argentine couldn't make the trip to D.C.
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, who couldn't be present due to scheduling issues. Messi was being honored for his contributions to healthcare and education as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and through the Leo Messi Foundation.
President Joe Biden also bestowed the honor to Magic Johnson, who is a part owner of MLS club LAFC, as well as Hillary Clinton, and other notable members of society. The Medal of Freedom is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a civilian. Messi sent a letter to the White House in December upon learning that he would be getting the honor to say that he wouldn't be able to attend.
"Messi said he is deeply honored and it is a profound privilege to receive the recognition but would be unable to attend due to scheduling conflicts and prior commitments," Messi's management team and Inter Miami told USA Today. "Messi appreciated the gesture and noted he hopes to have the opportunity to meet Biden in the near future."
