Legendary Pro Athlete Allegedly Snubs Joe Biden And Skips Presidential Medal Of Freedom Ceremony

Soccer legend Lionel Messi opted not to attend the Presidential Medal of Freedom ceremony at the White House on Saturday, prompting rumors that he ‘snubbed’ Joe Biden.

Messi was one of 19 recipients of the award, which is the nation’s highest civilian honor.

“Lionel Messi SNUBBED Joe Biden, and skipped the Presidential Medal of Freedom ceremony, where he was supposed to receive the award. Messi didn’t even send anyone to accept it on his behalf,” journalist Nick Sortor wrote.

NEW: Lionel Messi SNUBBED Joe Biden, and skipped the Presidential Medal of Freedom ceremony, where he was supposed to receive the award

Messi didn’t even send anyone to accept it on his behalf.

A big “F YOU” to Joe Biden pic.twitter.com/DS15D3y2vt

— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) January 4, 2025

According to reports, the Argentine World Cup champion did not attend the ceremony due to a ‘scheduling issue.’

Lionel Messi snubs Joe Biden and glitzy White House ceremony after being awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom https://t.co/aynXywfYYY pic.twitter.com/KAsJlIWwYG

— Daily Mail Online (@MailOnline) January 4, 2025

Daily Mail reports:

Lionel Messi has risked further fury after opting against attending the glamorous White House ceremony to collect his Presidential Medal of Freedom.

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The World Cup winner was awarded America’s highest civilian honor on Saturday, and was invited to meet Joe Biden and collect the award in Washington DC.

As photos began to surface of the ceremony, it became clear that Messi was one of the few recipients to skip the event, and wasn’t pictured on stage with Biden.

The likes of Bono, Magic Johnson, Hillary Clinton and Michael J. Fox all headed for the American capital, but there was no sign of Messi.

It was later confirmed that he had not attended, with official word coming shortly after that his absence was due to a ‘scheduling issue’.

It was also reported that nobody attended to accept the award on his behalf, and the announcer even skipped over Messi’s name when reading out the 2025 recipients of the medal.

As 100 Percent Fed Up noted, Biden awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Hillary Clinton and George Soros.

George Soros, Hillary Clinton & Others To Receive Nation’s Highest Civilian Honor From Joe Biden

“The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the Nation’s highest civilian honor, presented to individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavors,” the White House stated in a news release.

“President Biden believes great leaders keep the faith, give everyone a fair shot, and put decency above all else. These nineteen individuals are great leaders who have made America and the world a better place. They are great leaders because they are good people who have made extraordinary contributions to their country and the world,” it added.

🚨 - JUST IN: Lionel Messi will NOT be attending the White House where Joe Biden will award him the Presidential Medal of Freedom award.

The highest civilian honor award in the United States. pic.twitter.com/a7ZKgnMT3f

— TheEuropeanLad (@TheEuropeanLad) January 4, 2025

Per USA TODAY:

Messi sent a letter to the White House to inform officials he would be unable to attend after learning in December he would receive the honor, Messi’s management team and Inter Miami told USA TODAY Sports.

Messi said he is deeply honored and it is a profound privilege to receive the recognition, but would be unable to attend due to scheduling conflicts and prior commitments. Messi appreciated the gesture and noted he hopes to have the opportunity to meet Biden in the near future.

Hillary Rodham Clinton, basketball legend Magic Johnson, fashion designer Ralph Lauren, U2 frontman Bono, actors Michael J. Fox and Denzel Washington, and popular science education host Bill Nye were among recipients Saturday.

Messi, 37, is the most decorated player in the history of professional soccer, finishing his legendary career in the United States with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.

Messi has won 46 titles for club and country during his career, including four UEFA Champions Leagues, two Copa Americas and one FIFA World Cup. He has also won eight Ballon d'Or awards and named FIFA's world's best player eight times.

This is a Guest Post from our friends over at 100 Percent Fed Up.

View the original article here.