Lionel Messi was forced to issue a statement explaining his absence after being invited to the White House to receive a medal in early 2025. The greatest footballer of all time failed to make an appearance on January 5.
The now 38-year-old was set to receive America's highest civilian honour, the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The Argentine athlete was among 19 'great leaders' expected to pick up their awards at the White House.
The 46th President of the United States, Joe Biden, awarded Messi with the honour before the end of his term. The star-studded event did have some massive names, such as Denzel Washington, Michael J. Fox, and Earvin 'Magic' Johnson, even if Messi couldn't make it.
Lionel Messi Released Statement After Snubbing Joe Biden
Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates against Venezuela.
Explaining the decision to hand the prestigious award to Messi, a White House statement read: "He supports healthcare and education programs for children around the world through the Leo Messi Foundation and serves as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador."
After swapping European football for the MLS, Messi made a significant impact for Inter Miami. His contributions since his 2023 transfer have secured his club the Leagues Cup and MLS Supporters' Shield. His significant impact in the football world goes hand-in-hand with his off-field work.
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In a statement shared by Fabrizio Romano, the former Barcelona superstar explained why he wasn't present at the ceremony. He claimed:
"It’s a great honour to receive this recognition. I’m truly grateful for it. Unfortunately, I have a prior commitment and won’t be able to attend the ceremony at the White House on January 4. But I deeply appreciate this gesture."
The unusual thing about Messi's absence was that no one was even sent in his place as a representative. That means his name wasn't even read out at the glamorous ceremony.
Another statement on his behalf said: "The White House informed FIFA, which informed the club at the end of December that Leo was to be awarded this recognition. Leo, through the club, sent a letter to the White House saying that he feels deeply honoured and that it is a great privilege to receive this recognition but that due to scheduling conflicts and prior commitments, he will not be able to attend. He thanked the gesture and noted that he hopes to have the opportunity to meet with him in the near future."
Donald Trump
The current US President, Donald Trump, has caused a lot of controversy in the world of football in recent months. Since returning to the White House in early 2025, the 79-year-old has been heavily involved in the FIFA Club World Cup and the upcoming 2026 World Cup.
Speaking after Chelsea lifted the Club World Cup in America last summer, Trump overlooked Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as he crowned Brazilian legend Pele as football's GOAT. He said:
"Many years ago, when I was young, they brought a player named Pele to play and he played for a team called the Cosmos. And this place was packed – it was an earlier version of this stadium [the MetLife Stadium] and it was Pele.
"I don’t want to date myself but that was a long time ago and I was a young guy. I came to watch Pele and he was fantastic. So probably I’ll go old-fashioned – that’s like saying Babe Ruth – and say Pele was so great."