I am not saying that Messi has not been influential or not been important by any stretch of the imagination, but not only is it ridiculous

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,

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

Lionel Messi was absent from the ceremony which saw various people awarded a Presidential Medal of Freedom, with questions raised as to his whereabouts.

President Joe Biden awarded the highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, to 19 people at the White House on Saturday.

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.

Earvin "Magic" Johnson and Lionel Messi received the Presidential Medal of Freedom during a ceremony Saturday at the White House.

After a season where Lionel Messi collected a Supporters' Shield, set the record for most points in a season with Inter Miami and also won the MLS MVP award, his list of accolades is about to grow. President Joe Biden will be awarding the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Lionel Messi along with 18 others,

Basketball Hall of Fame member Magic Johnson and soccer great Lionel Messi are among 19 people who will be honored Saturday at the White House with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Bill Nye was recently awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in recognition of his dedication to science education.