President Joe Biden hails Lionel Messi with prestigious award, ranking him amongst sports greatest

Lionel Messi has no been stranger to awards during his illustrious career.

Having won a historic eight Ballon d’Ors, the Argentine has continued his trend of picking up accolades at Inter Miami.

Messi was named MLS MVP after yet another impressive season at the Chase Stadium – in which he helped the Herons lift the 2024 Supporters’ Shield.

Despite his recent success though, Messi recently missed out on the King of America award.

That disappointment however has been short-lived, with the 37-year-old kicking off 2025 with yet another prize.

• READ MORE: The records that Lionel Messi is looking to chase in 2025 – he wants them all

Lionel Messi receives presidential award from Joe Biden

Having won basically every trophy there is to win in soccer, there isn’t much more Messi can win in his career.

With that being said, the Argentine is even starting to win awards away from the beautiful game.

The White House recently revealed that Messi has been selected alongside 17 others to receive the prestigious Presidential Medal of Freedom from the USA President Joe Biden.

Fellow sportsman and NBA legend Magic Johnson will also receive the award – an award which ranks as the country’s highest civilian honor.

The official statement from the White House read: “President Biden believes great leaders keep the faith, give everyone a fair shot, and put decency above all else. These nineteen Americans are great leaders who have made America a better place. They are great leaders because they are good people who have made extraordinary contributions to their country and the world.”

Speaking on Messi’s presidential award, the White House said: “He supports healthcare and education programs for children around the world through the Leo Messi Foundation and serves as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.”

Messi now ranks amongst sports greatest following Presidential Medal of Freedom award

The former Barcelona man is seen as the GOAT by many within the world of soccer, with the likes of Christian Pulisic ranking Messi as the best.

Soccer aside, however, Messi’s Presidental award now places him amongst sports greatest, with only a select few athletes ever receiving the prize.

Having started the year in almost the best way possible, Messi will be hoping the awards keep coming in 2025.