Lionel Messi Honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom

11/01/2025, 11:59

BTO-In the early days of 2025, Lionel Messi received a prestigious honor when U.S. President Joe Biden awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom. This civilian award, the highest in the United States, might have been a surprise, but it is entirely deserved. Messi’s presence in American soccer has put the country on the global football map.

1079-lionel-messi-copy.jpg

Born on June 24, 1987, Lionel Messi is an Argentine professional footballer who currently plays as a forward and serves as the captain of both Inter Miami and the Argentina national team. Widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, Messi has set numerous individual records throughout his professional career, including 8 Ballon d'Ors, 6 European Golden Shoes, and 8 FIFA World Player of the Year awards. He holds the record for the most collective trophies in professional football history, with a total of 45 titles, including 12 domestic league championships, 4 UEFA Champions League trophies, 2 Copa América titles, and 1 FIFA World Cup. Messi also holds various records such as the most European Golden Shoes (6), the most goals scored for a single club (672 goals for Barcelona), and the most goals, hat-tricks, and assists in La Liga (474 goals, 36 hat-tricks, and 192 assists). He holds records for the most appearances (39 games), most assists (18), and most goal contributions (34) in Copa América history, as well as the most appearances (26 games) and most goal contributions (21) in World Cup history. Messi is also the South American player with the most international appearances (191 caps) and the most international goals (112), ranking second worldwide for international goals. As a prolific goal-scorer and top-class playmaker, Messi has scored over 800 goals in his professional career, both for club and country.

nmaahc-a2022_101_1_5_3_001.jpg
Presidential Medal of Freedom

In 2023, Lionel Messi made the move to Inter Miami after spending the majority of his career at Barcelona. Remarkably, he turned down a lucrative $500 million offer from oil-rich nations in the Middle East to play in the United States. At Inter Miami, Messi led the team to two titles and played a key role in breaking the Major League Soccer points record. While he joined the club later in his career, his legendary status continued to make a profound impact. His leadership was instrumental in guiding Inter Miami to unexpected success, and he also led Argentina to triumph in the 2024 Copa América.

As one of 19 recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom awarded by President Biden, Messi's influence on American soccer is unmistakable. In his remarks, President Biden described Messi and the other honorees as great leaders who have made extraordinary contributions to improving America and the world. The White House also highlighted the remarkable achievements of all 19 individuals, including Messi. Congratulations to Lionel Messi on this well-deserved recognition.

UYEN LINH

Related articles
Thank You, Xuan Son!
Two days have passed since the Vietnamese national football team clinched the ASEAN Cup title after defeating Thailand in both legs of the final. The victory’s echo still resonates in the hearts of every Vietnamese. Amid the joy of triumph, one name stands out above all others: Nguyễn Xuân Son.

(0) Comments
Focus
Falling at the "Gates of Heaven
BTO-Carlos Alcaraz displayed remarkable form and composure throughout the 2025 Barcelona Open. The Spanish star made his way to the final without dropping a single set. However, at the final hurdle, the "Mini Nadal" stumbled at the "gates of heaven" as he was defeated 0-2 by Holger Rune. This loss also cost Alcaraz his world No. 2 ranking, which now belongs to Alexander Zverev.
Do not miss
  • The Beauty of Hòn Cau Island
    one month ago LANDSCAPES
    March signals the perfect time for a visit to Hòn Cau Island (Phước Thể, Tuy Phong) as the weather transitions and the golden sunlight bathes the island. Located about 110 km from Phan Thiết, Cù Lao Câu is a pristine, uninhabited island...
  • The Final Goal
    one month ago Sports
    BTO-Manchester City now only has one goal left: winning the FA Cup to salvage what has been a “disastrous” season. As a result, Coach Pep Guardiola and his players have put all their energy into the world’s oldest football tournament....
  • Regaining the Top Spot
    one month ago Sports
    Playing a day before their arch-rivals Barcelona, Real Madrid took full advantage of the opportunity to reclaim the top spot in La Liga with a comfortable 2-1 victory over Villarreal, thanks to a brace from Mbappe.
  • A Hard-Fought Victory
    one month ago Sports
    BTO-On the evening of March 19, the Vietnam national team played their first international match since winning the AFF Cup 2024, hosting Cambodia in a friendly at Gò Đậu Stadium (Bình Dương). Given their superior standing, a victory...
  • Farewell to the "King of Cups"
    one month ago Sports
    BTO-After suffering a 1-0 home defeat in the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16, the French football powerhouse PSG was under immense pressure to win the return leg away at Liverpool. And they did just that, securing a place...
  • Surrendering the Title
    one month ago Sports
    BTO- The highlight of Premier League Matchweek 28 was the showdown between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford. Arsenal desperately needed a victory to keep up with Liverpool, but they could only manage a draw, while the league...
  • Even Djokovic Can’t Defy Time
    one month ago Sports
    BTO-Novak Djokovic has just suffered a defeat against Botic Van De Zandschulp in the second round of  Indian Wells 2025, marking the first time in seven years that he has lost three consecutive matches. At 37 years old, Djokovic is...
  • Binh Thuan Province to cooperate with Sun Group to unlock its Tourism Strengths
    BTO – On early March, the Standing Committee of the Provincial Party Committee and the People's Committee of Binh Thuan Province held a meeting with Sun Group regarding investment cooperation.
  • The King Has Fallen: Man Utd Crash Out of FA Cup
    one month ago Sports
    Recently, Manchester United’s FA Cup title defense came to a crushing end as Fulham stunned the Red Devils in a dramatic penalty shootout to secure their place in the quarterfinals. Heading into the fifth-round clash at Old Trafford,...
  • Sunset Slope: Phan Thiet’s Hidden Gem for Breathtaking Views
    one month ago LANDSCAPES
    BTO – Still in the heat of the first two lunar months, Sunset Slope on Co Mountain has become a renowned sunset-watching spot in Phan Thiet. Located in Phu Hai Ward, this stunning location offers breathtaking views of the mountains...
  • Victory Seals the Throne
    2 month ago Sports
    BTO-After suffering a loss in the first leg at home last week, Manchester City finds itself in a tough spot in its quest for a spot in the Champions League Round of 16 against Real Madrid. This defeat marked their first loss to Madrid...
  • Tough game Alonso!
    2 month ago Sports
    BTO-The Round 22 Bundesliga showdown between Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich was one of the most anticipated of the season. On one side, there were the defending champions, and on the other, the league leaders. Bayern entered the...
  • Back to the Top for Barcelona
    2 month ago Sports
    BTO-Before taking on Rayo Vallecano, Barcelona had the chance to claim the top spot in La Liga after both Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid were held to 1-1 draws in Round 24 (Real drew with Osasuna, Atletico drew with Celta Vigo). The...
  • Bayern Munich's Roar
    2 month ago Sports
    Bayern Munich were strong favorites against Celtic in their Champions League play-off. Despite being the away team, Vincent Kompany's side comfortably won 2-1, securing an advantage for the return leg at Allianz Arena.
  • Binh Thuan: 7 OCOP 4-star products recognized and re-recognized
    2 month ago Business
    BTO – Binh Thuan provincial People's Committee has lately approved the evaluation results and issued certificates for 7 products in the first and second batches of 2024 for OCOP 4-star products.
  • Binh Thuan’s dragon fruit on display at an exhibition in Germany
    2 month ago Business
    BTO- Binh Thuan dragon fruit will be present at the Fruit Logistica Berlin fruit and vegetable exhibition took place in Germany from February 5 to 7, 2025.
  • Red and Blue: Manchester’s Double Disaster
    2 month ago Sports
    BTO-Recently, the two “powerful” football teams from the country of Man UTD and Man City both endured heavy defeats. MU lost at home to Crystal Palace with a score of 0-2. Meanwhile, Man City was hammered 5-1 by Arsenal on their ground....
  • Binh Thuan welcomed around 220,000 visitors during the Tet holiday
    2 month ago Travel
    BTO-According to the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of Binh Thuan, the province received approximately 220,000 visitors during the 9-day Lunar New Year holiday, marking a 10% increase compared to last year’s traditional...
  • A New Rising Star
    3 month ago Sports
    BTO-Joao Fonseca, a tennis player ranked 145th in the ATP standings, has caused a stir in the global tennis community after winning the 2024 Next Gen ATP Finals with the lowest ranking among the players in the tournament. With a mature,...
  • The Fall of the Giants
    3 month ago Sports
    BTO-Both "giants" Liverpool and Arsenal recently played their Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg matches. While Liverpool faced Tottenham, Arsenal hosted Newcastle. Both teams suffered defeats—Liverpool lost 0-1 to Tottenham, and Arsenal...
POWERED BY ONECMS - A PRODUCT OF NEKO
Lionel Messi Honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom