Messi breaks new ground by receiving US Presidential Medal of Freedom
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian honour in the United States.
The United States government has announced that football superstar Lionel Messi will be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The Inter Miami star is among 19 individuals set to receive the distinction from President Joe Biden at the White House on 4 January. Messi will be the first Argentine—and the first male footballer—to receive the award.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian honour in the United States. It is given to individuals who have made "exemplary contributions" to the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public, or private endeavours. Created in 1963 by President John F. Kennedy, it has previously been awarded to figures such as civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Pope John XXIII, and former German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Athletes like Muhammad Ali, Michael Jordan, and Simone Biles are also past recipients of the award.
In addition to being the "most decorated player" in football history, a White House press release highlighted Messi's work in supporting healthcare and education for children through the Messi Foundation and his role as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.
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The Leo Messi Foundation, established in 2007, aims to "generate new opportunities to fulfil the dreams of children around the world." It has supported programmes benefiting children in countries including Mozambique, Syria, Mexico, Gaza, Spain, and Argentina. In 2010, Messi became a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and has since been involved in campaigns for HIV prevention, education, and the social inclusion of children with disabilities.
Joining Messi among the 18 other honourees are basketball legend and former Los Angeles Lakers star Earvin "Magic" Johnson, U2 frontman Bono, former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, actors Michael J. Fox and Denzel Washington, and philanthropist George Soros.
The White House described the recipients as "great leaders" who have made "extraordinary contributions to their country and the world."
