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.

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 did not show up to the White House on Saturday to receive his Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Biden amid mass controversy.

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

Lionel Messi, widely considered one of the greatest soccer players of all time, and NBA legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson will be among the 19 honorees receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom on Saturday at the White House.

U.S. President Joe Biden presented the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States, to 19 prominent figures.

Lionel Messi has released a statement after he skipped a White House event. It was announced recently that the Argentine superstar was set to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom from the President of the United States,

Lionel Messi was set to receive a prestigious award in the United States… but he was a no-show. With Inter Miami, Lionel Messi has revolutionized Major League Soccer. This contribution earned him the honor of being awarded the country's highest civilian distinction: the Presidential Medal of Freedom.