Inter Miami star Lionel Messi was among the many 19 people honored by USA President Joe Biden with the Presidential Medal of Freedom on Saturday. Nonetheless, the soccer legend was notably absent from the ceremony, sparking curiosity amongst followers and attendees. Messi later revealed the rationale behind his absence.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is acknowledged because the nation’s highest civilian honor, celebrating people who’ve made exemplary contributions to society. Messi’s absence raised questions, however it was quickly clarified that he had communicated his lack of ability to attend as a consequence of an unavoidable dedication.
“It’s a profound honor to have been distinguished with this recognition (…). It is a gigantic privilege, and I’m deeply grateful for it (…). Sadly, I’ve a previous dedication and will be unable to attend the ceremony on the White Home on January 4. Nonetheless, I would like you to know that I sincerely worth this gesture,” Messi wrote in a letter addressed to the White Home.
The Argentine star had traveled to his hometown of Rosario, Argentina, to rejoice the Christmas and New 12 months holidays together with his household. The tight scheduling between the vacations, his private obligations, and the occasion itself made it not possible for Messi to attend the January 4 ceremony.
Whereas he was unable to be current, Messi expressed his appreciation for the respect and left open the potential of a future assembly when he returns to the US. The invitation, which required approvals from Inter Miami and FIFA, was reportedly prolonged in late December, leaving little preparation time.
Messi’s philanthropic legacy exterior soccer
Lionel Messi’s influence extends far past the soccer area. “Lionel Messi is essentially the most embellished participant within the historical past {of professional} soccer. He helps healthcare and education schemes for youngsters around the globe by the Leo Messi Basis and serves as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador,” the White Home famous when awarding Messi the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Established in 2007, the Leo Messi Basis has funded crucial academic and healthcare infrastructure tasks in nations like Argentina, Spain, Syria, and Bangladesh. A notable achievement was the opening of a pediatric oncology heart in Rosario, Messi’s hometown, aimed toward enhancing entry to most cancers therapy for youngsters.
As a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 2010, Messi has additionally participated in campaigns selling inclusion, entry to training, and the safety of youngsters’s rights in susceptible communities worldwide.
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The post Lionel Messi reveals the rationale behind his absence within the Presidential Medal of Freedom ceremony first appeared on Foot & Soccer.
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Author : footsoccer
Publish date : 2025-01-05 00:27:12
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