Lionel Messi Skips Presidential Medal Ceremony

Lionel Messi, the Argentine soccer superstar, was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Joe Biden, but he did not attend the ceremony due to scheduling conflicts. Messi expressed his gratitude for the honor in a letter, stating that he hopes to meet Biden in the future. The award recognizes his philanthropic efforts through the Leo Messi Foundation and his role as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. His absence was notable as he was the only recipient among 19 to miss the event, sparking varied reactions on social media. Critics questioned the appropriateness of awarding Messi, given his relatively recent move to the U.S. and the controversy surrounding the selection of honorees. Despite the backlash, the White House praised Messi for his significant contributions to children's healthcare and education globally.