Real reason Joe Biden honoured Leo Messi with Medal of Freedom, not Ronaldo

• Messi became the first male soccer player to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honour in the U.S
• The award recognises Messi’s charitable contributions to children’s education and healthcare globally, beyond his football achievements
• FIFA informed Messi of the award in December, but prior commitments prevented him from attending the White House ceremony

Barcelona legend Lionel Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden. 

This prestigious honour, the highest civilian award in the United States, recognised Messi’s unparalleled contributions to soccer and his philanthropic efforts through the Leo Messi Foundation and as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. However, Messi’s absence at the White House ceremony sparked curiosity, as he cited prior commitments that prevented him from attending in person.

The Presidential Medal of Freedom is awarded to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or significant societal progress. 

The award has previously honoured icons like Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, and Oprah Winfrey. 

In sports, U.S. soccer female star Megan Rapinoe received the medal in 2022. With Messi being recognised with this distinction he has now become the first male footballer and the first Argentine to earn the award.

Messi’s recognition went beyond his achievements on the pitch. While the 37-year-old secured the Leagues Cup title with Inter Miami and was named the Most Valuable Player of the 2024 MLS season, his influence off the field also played an important role. Messi’s foundation has supported children’s education and healthcare worldwide, a quality that resonated with Biden’s administration.

Fans and analysts speculated why Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi’s long-time rival and another global football icon, was not considered for the award. Unlike Messi, Ronaldo has spent most of his career outside the United States and currently plays in Saudi Arabia’s Pro League. 

Messi’s move to Inter Miami in 2023, coupled with his immediate impact on U.S. soccer and cultural appeal, most likely strengthened his connection to American audiences and policymakers.

Messi’s statement expressed gratitude for the honour, describing it as a “profound privilege.” His representatives revealed that FIFA had informed Inter Miami about the award in December, but Messi’s pre-existing commitments made attending the ceremony impossible. 

Despite this, Messi conveyed his appreciation and expressed hope to meet President Biden in the near future.

2024 Ballon d'Or: Who will reign in a new era without Messi and Ronaldo?

Previously, TheRadar reported that as the 2024 Ballon d'Or approaches, excitement builds for one of the most anticipated nights in football. 

The prestigious awards ceremony, which will be held in Paris on October 28, promises to crown the year’s finest talents, and for the first time in two decades, the footballing world must look beyond the iconic duo of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, with neither legend in the running for the men's prize, the stage is set for a new rivalry to rise.