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Lionel Messi Releases Statement After Failing To Attend White House Ceremony - Sports - Nairaland 6k94h

Lionel Messi Releases Statement After Failing To Attend White House Ceremony (18780 Views)

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AmazingGenius: 6:38am On Jan 07
Lionel Messi releases statement after failing to attend White House ceremony for rare honour.

Lionel Messi was one of 19 people to receive the special honour but was not in attendance at the White House.

Lionel Messi has responded after he failed to attend a ceremony at the White House to receive the highest honour a civilian can receive in the United States.


The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner made the move across the pond in July 2023, g for David Beckham's Inter Miami in a game-changing transfer.

With 34 goals in 39 games, Messi has led the Herons to triumphs in both the Leagues Cup and MLS ers' Shield - and brought a whole of new eyes on the league with his sheer star power.

And the 37-year-old's Michael Jordan-like impact has been commemorated with an impressive accolade. The Argentina legend was one of 19 "great leaders" to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom.


The medal is given 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".

As well as his incredible career on the pitch, Messi has been acknowledged for his work in improving healthcare and education as part of his role as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and his own foundation.

Other names on the list include NBA legend Earvin 'Magic' Johnson, Hillary Clinton, Denzel Washington and Michael J.Fox

Inter Miami said Messi was unable to attend due to scheduling conflicts, with the player himself sending a letter.

As per Fabrizio Romano, Messi said: "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 is also noted that in the near future, Messi hopes to be able to meet in person in to receive the medal, which was placed around the neck of all of the exclusive club by 46th US President Joe Biden on Saturday.

In 2019, Barcelona's record goalscorer Messi received the Creu de Sant Jordi (the Saint George's Cross) award in Catalonia, becoming the second footballer after Johan Cruyff to receive the honour from the Catalan government since it was created in 1981.
Source: https://www.sportbible.com/football/mls/lionel-messi-white-house-inter-miami-barcelona-791304-20250105

10 Likes 1 Share

Augustinaz(m): 6:59am On Jan 07
ee
morikee: 6:59am On Jan 07
GOAT

22 Likes 3 Shares

TINUBUISMAD: 6:59am On Jan 07
angry
Messi is simply the best from the rest.

28 Likes 4 Shares

Atarakpa: 6:59am On Jan 07
That engagement that is more important than white house honour and not just honour but the highest to be awarded to a civilian hmmmm. I'm curious to know

34 Likes 1 Share

Lordbinsmar: 7:00am On Jan 07
angry
allen113: 7:00am On Jan 07
THE G.O.A.T

5 Likes

IPDGP: 7:00am On Jan 07
Alright, if he get reason not to be present
EponObi(f): 7:00am On Jan 07
AGBA!!!

My GOAT receiving the highest award awarded to civilians in the greatest nation on the mf earth.

The other one can't relate because he's accustomed to getting rakunmi awards every year through oluwole backdoor. grin

Modified: Anyone that can't take football banter should leave the thread. No be by force cheesy

35 Likes 5 Shares

CTee1: 7:01am On Jan 07
Tpain is not on the list? Ojoro

2 Likes

chipet67(m): 7:01am On Jan 07
Na em business
Donchieli: 7:01am On Jan 07
Chief baller

5 Likes 1 Share

ThierryJay: 7:02am On Jan 07
It's like the GOAT doesn't really send some of these awards again regardless of the prestige. His apology shows that it wasn't a deliberate snub and I believe he'd receive his medal at a later date. RAISE A GLASS to the first footballer to receive a PRESIDENTIAL MEDAL OF FREEDOM!

If it was the desert bandit now, he'd cancel all existing and future appointments for the next one week, shine 40 sets of teeth in front of Biden, give a 4-hour interview right there on why Saudi is better than the Bundesliga and MLS and create several youtube contents over the occasion grin

35 Likes 4 Shares

dfrost: 7:03am On Jan 07
Simple.

One mustn't attend all events.

2 Likes

Helpfromabove1(m): 7:03am On Jan 07
Messi avoiding any association with LGB…. Government with style

8 Likes

Jayrockk: 7:04am On Jan 07
I know my Goat

3 Likes 2 Shares

adioolayi(m): 7:05am On Jan 07
"Lionel Messi has responded after he failed to attend a ceremony at the White House to receive the highest honour a civilian can receive in the United States "


Just in how many months in the USA


What's greatness again

André Lionel Messi Cuccitini.....the GOAT!

43 Likes 2 Shares

Treasure17(m): 7:05am On Jan 07
Shalaye. They for invite Ronaldo.
VaginaAcademic: 7:07am On Jan 07
He doesn't want to be seen with crooked Joe Biden simple grin grin

6 Likes

saddler: 7:07am On Jan 07
Messi the GOAT has graduated from football awards to receiving government awards.

There are levels to this.

27 Likes 3 Shares

kolamilan(m): 7:07am On Jan 07
Treasure17:
Shalaye. They for invite Ronaldo.
if he Worth am , Dem for invite am.

10 Likes

Arostar2023: 7:08am On Jan 07
EponObi:
AGBA!!!

My GOAT receiving the highest award awarded to civilians in the greatest nation on the mf earth.

The other one can't relate because he's accustomed to getting rakunmi awards every year through oluwole backdoor. grin

Men worshipper! I won't be surprised if you are one of those bots (an euphemism for zombies) that idolizes the man that promised to feed his people with cassava and maize angry

5 Likes 1 Share

VaginaAcademic: 7:08am On Jan 07
EponObi:
AGBA!!!

My GOAT receiving the highest award awarded to civilians in the greatest nation on the mf earth.

The other one can't relate because he's accustomed to getting rakunmi awards every year through oluwole backdoor. grin
and both of them don't know you exist stop the comparison

4 Likes

Kingdavid579(m): 7:09am On Jan 07
Okay
MostValuable1(m): 7:09am On Jan 07
The G.O.A.T

2 Likes

AntiChristian: 7:10am On Jan 07
Why are they calling Messi goat? Is that his second name or nickname or moniker on nairaland? grin
Negroid001(m): 7:10am On Jan 07
Smart move from Messi.
Staying neutral because of his brand identity.

6 Likes

MMempire(m): 7:25am On Jan 07
Greatest of all . . . . . . .
REIIGN(m): 7:32am On Jan 07
Negroid001:
Smart move from Messi.
Staying neutral because of his brand identity.

There’s nothing partisan about a national honour

5 Likes

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