Biden will honor Clinton, Soros and Messi with the Presidential Medal of Freedom

US President Joe Biden will award 19 people with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the White House website said on January 4.

"This is the country's highest civilian honor, awarded to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the prosperity, values or security of the United States, world peace or other important public, state or private endeavors," the presidential administration said.

It specified that the award was given to former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, US financier George Soros, soccer player Lionel Messi and fashion designer Ralph Lauren, among others.

"The award will take place at the White House on January 4, 2025," the White House said in a statement.

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In May 2024, King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden presented the members of the ABBA band with the Knight's Order of the Vasa. Vocalists Agneta Feltskog and Anni-Frid Røys, as well as composers and musicians Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus were honored with the award for exceptional services.