Freedom Medal, the Highest Honor Awarded Annually by the President
Recipients Include Ralph Lauren, Hillary Clinton, Bono, and Soros
Lionel Messi, known as the 'God of Soccer,' received the 'Presidential Medal of Freedom,' the highest honor awarded by the U.S. president to ordinary citizens.
According to a White House press release on the 4th (local time), President Joe Biden announced the recipients of the 'Presidential Medal of Freedom,' including Messi, who plays for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, billionaire fund manager and longtime Democratic supporter George Soros, fashion designer Ralph Lauren, Bono of the rock band U2, actor Michael J. Fox, former basketball star Magic Johnson, and 19 others.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest honor awarded annually by the U.S. president to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to American security and national interests, world peace, culture, and the arts. Messi is the first male soccer player to receive the U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom. Argentine local media such as the daily Clar?n and ?mbito reported that Messi is also the first Argentine national to receive this medal. These outlets explained, "Messi has won numerous awards throughout his successful soccer career, including the World Cup, Olympic gold medal, and Ballon d'Or, but this award is notable because it is presented by the U.S. president."
The White House stated the reason for selecting Messi as a recipient was "not only for his outstanding career as a soccer player but also for his work through the Leo Messi Foundation, which runs health and education programs for children worldwide, and his role as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador."
Actor Michael J. Fox receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Biden. Photo by AP Yonhap News
Meanwhile, President Biden, who will leave office on the 20th, held his final Presidential Medal of Freedom ceremony during his tenure at the White House on the 4th. Notably, actor Michael J. Fox, beloved for his role in the 'Back to the Future' series, attended the ceremony in person despite his physical challenges from Parkinson's disease, receiving a big round of applause. Other honorees included Hollywood actor Denzel Washington and Jos? Andr?s, founder of the international relief organization World Central Kitchen (WCK). Messi was absent from the event due to scheduling conflicts.
The 'Presidential Medal of Freedom' was first awarded in 1945 by then-President Harry S. Truman. In 1963, President John F. Kennedy expanded the scope of recipients and elevated the formality of the award, giving it its current name. Notable sports figures who have received the Presidential Medal of Freedom include Muhammad Ali (boxing), Michael Jordan (basketball), Arthur Ashe (tennis), and Simone Biles (gymnastics).
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