Lionel Messi did not attend Biden's Medal of Freedom ceremony

Lionel Messi, a striker of the American soccer club Inter Miami and the Argentine national team, did not attend the ceremony of awarding the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which was awarded by U.S. President Joe Biden. This was reported on January 5 by USA Today.

It is noted that the athlete could not attend the event due to scheduling problems.

As the publication writes with reference to the management team of Messi and Inter Miami, the footballer sent a letter to the White House to inform officials that he would not be able to attend.

"Messi said that he is honored and privileged to be recognized, but he will not be able to attend due to a busy schedule and certain commitments. Messi appreciated the gesture and noted that he hopes for the opportunity to meet with Biden in the near future", - stated in the material.

Earlier, the American entrepreneur and billionaire Ilon Musk ridiculed the awarding of the Medal of Freedom to financier George Soros, added "Gazeta.Ru".

The day before it was reported that Biden will award 19 people with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award of the country, awarded to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the prosperity, values or security of the United States, world peace or other important public, government or private endeavors.

The White House specified that the award was given to former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, American financier George Soros, soccer player Lionel Messi and fashion designer Ralph Lauren, among others.