Why Lionel Messi declined a White House medal ceremony

February 9, 2026 Oliver Obel

Lionel Messi was expected to be among the names announced at one of Washington’s most prestigious ceremonies in early 2025. Instead, his absence and the lack of anyone representing him drew quiet but widespread attention across sports and political circles.

The Argentine forward later explained why he missed an occasion that few athletes are ever invited to attend.

A rare recognition and a notable absence

In January 2025, Messi was selected to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honour awarded by the United States government. According to a citation released by the White House at the time, the award was approved by then-president Joe Biden shortly before the end of his term.

The White House statement said Messi was recognised for his humanitarian work, noting that he “supports healthcare and education programs for children around the world through the Leo Messi Foundation and serves as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.”

Messi was one of 19 recipients chosen that year. Others who attended the ceremony included actors Denzel Washington and Michael J. Fox, as well as former NBA star Earvin “Magic” Johnson. Unlike most honourees, Messi did not appear in person and no representative attended on his behalf, an uncommon outcome for the event.

Messi explains his decision

As speculation circulated in sports media and online, Messi addressed the situation directly. In a statement shared publicly by football journalist Fabrizio Romano, he expressed gratitude while confirming he would not attend.

“It’s a great honour to receive this recognition. I’m truly grateful for it,” Messi said. “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.”

Further clarification followed through official channels. A subsequent statement explained that the White House informed FIFA, which then contacted Messi’s club toward the end of December. Messi formally responded, citing scheduling conflicts and existing commitments, while also conveying his hope of meeting the president at a later date.

Career impact and charitable work

Messi’s selection was rooted as much in his off-field work as his footballing success. Since joining Inter Miami in 2023, he has helped raise the club’s global profile while contributing to trophies such as the Leagues Cup and the MLS Supporters’ Shield.

At the same time, his long-standing charitable efforts particularly through the Leo Messi Foundation were central to the White House’s justification for the award, according to its own documentation.

While Medal of Freedom recipients typically attend or send a delegate, the ceremony proceeded without Messi’s name being read aloud.

Political and sporting context

The timing of the award intersected with a renewed political focus on football in the United States. Donald Trump, who returned to the presidency in 2025, has taken a visible interest in major international tournaments hosted in the country, including the expanded Club World Cup and the 2026 World Cup.

Speaking at the Club World Cup the previous summer, Trump drew attention when discussing football’s greatest players, opting for Pelé over modern stars.

“So probably I’ll go old-fashioned that’s like saying Babe Ruth and say Pelé was so great,” Trump said.

Messi was not referenced during those remarks, though his White House honour had already been approved by that point.

Sources: GiveMeSport, White House statements, Fabrizio Romano