Lionel Messi has reacted after missing the opportunity to attend a ceremony at the White House, where he was set to receive the highest civilian honor in the United States.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner moved to the U.S. in July 2023, signing with David Beckham’s Inter Miami in a groundbreaking transfer.
Scoring 34 goals in 39 matches, Messi has helped the Herons win both the Leagues Cup and the MLS Supporters’ Shield, attracting a fresh wave of attention to the league with his undeniable star power.
The 37-year-old’s impact, reminiscent of Michael Jordan’s, has been recognized with a prestigious award. Messi was among 19 “great leaders” to be honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
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The medal is awarded 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.”
In addition to his exceptional football career, Messi has been acknowledged for his contributions to healthcare and education through his UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador role and his own foundation.
Other prominent individuals on the list include NBA legend Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson, Hillary Clinton, Denzel Washington, and Michael J. Fox.
Inter Miami stated that Messi could not attend the event due to a scheduling conflict, and the player sent a letter in response.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Messi expressed: “It’s a great honor to receive this recognition. I’m truly grateful for it.
Unfortunately, I have a prior commitment and won’t be able to attend the ceremony at the White House on January 4. But I deeply appreciate this gesture.”
It has also been noted that Messi hopes to meet in person soon to accept the medal, which was placed around the necks of all honorees by U.S. President Joe Biden on Saturday.
In 2019, Messi, Barcelona’s all-time top scorer, received the Creu de Sant Jordi, the Saint George’s Cross, award in Catalonia, becoming the second footballer after Johan Cruyff to receive the honor from the Catalan government since its inception in 1981.
Fans think Lionel Messi may have responded to Cristiano Ronaldo’s comments about Ligue 1 – and they might be right.
Ronaldo, 39, currently playing in the Saudi Pro League for Al Nassr, was a special guest at the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai on Friday.
The ceremony celebrates footballers’ achievements within the sport.
The former Real Madrid, Manchester United, and Sporting CP forward is the most decorated player at the awards, with six trophies since they began in 2013.
This time, he was invited on stage to discuss several football-related topics.
While engaging the audience, he praised the quality of the Saudi Pro League compared to other leagues, such as Ligue 1.
“The French league?” Ronaldo commented. “Of course [it is worse]. I don’t say that because I play there [in Saudi Arabia]. They [people] should go there and play there, to see. To run in 38, 39, 40 degrees and sprint a few times, just to see how they’re going to be. Don’t believe in my words – go there and see. Only in France is PSG, the rest is finished.”
Although Ronaldo’s comments may seem harsh, there could be some truth to them, as Paris Saint-Germain dominates French football.
Since the purchase of PSG by Tamin bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, in June 2011, the club has won ten league titles, seven French Cups, and five French League Cups.
Luis Enrique’s squad is also leading the French top division this season, sitting ten points ahead of second-place Marseille with 12 wins from 16 games.
Of course, PSG was one of Messi’s former clubs.
The Argentine forward played for the team from 2021 to 2023, scoring 32 goals in 75 appearances before moving to Inter Miami.
However, fans believe Messi may have come to the defense of his former team.
Yesterday, Messi shared a photo on his Instagram story that appeared to show him opening a bottle of ‘GOAT’ wine. While this might be coincidental, fans quickly speculated that it could be a “dig” at Ronaldo.
One fan wrote: “At least he’s not on interviews ranting about MLS being better than Ligue 1 – GOAT for a reason.”
Another added: “Don’t let Ronaldo see this.”
A third commented: “Messi is the meanest without even saying a word.”
Crediblenewsng.com
