When Michael Jordan declined to attend a White House reception after his first NBA title triumph with the Chicago Bulls in 1991, the basketball icon gave a more blunt reason for turning down the invitation.

On Saturday at the White House, President Joe Biden presented the Presidential Medal of Freedom to honor 19 people for their distinguished accomplishments. One person who was absent from that ceremony was Argentina soccer legend and Inter Miami star Lionel Messi,

The White House says Lionel Messi was unable to accept the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Joe Biden Saturday due to a scheduling issue.

Magic Johnson and Lionel Messi are among 19 people receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Joe Biden, the White House announced Saturday, the morning of the awards. The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the United States’ highest civilian honor.

Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson and international soccer star Lionel Messi are among 19 people being honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom

Barcelona icon Lionel Messi will soon be the recipient of an altogether prestigious individual award.As much will come by way of none other than the government of the USA, in recognition of the

Lionel Messi has been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by United States President Joe Biden, but the Argentina star was notably absent from

US President Joe Biden on Saturday honoured 19 celebrities including football great Lionel Messi and fashion icon Anna Wintour with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, shortly before the end of his term in office.

U.S. President Joe Biden presented the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States, to 19 prominent figures.

Messi’s management team and his pro team, Inter Miami, informed the White House ahead of time that he would not be able to attend the ceremony due to scheduling conflicts.