Lionel Messi was one of 19 people to receive the special honour but was not in attendance at the White House.
SPORTBIBLE
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.
[…] 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 members of the exclusive club by 46th US President Joe Biden on Saturday.
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