Lionel Messi enjoyed a successful 2024 with Inter Miami despite an early exit from the MLS play-offs and one trophy won in the Supporters’ Shield.
The Argentine international led the Herons to a new regular season points tally with Inter Miami setting the benchmark for what an MLS team can achieve in a traditional campaign, with Messi being named league MVP as a result.
And recognition of the 37-year-old’s achievements has now reached the highest possible level in the United States, with Joe Biden praising Messi for his achievements in soccer and awarding the Inter Miami captain the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Yet Messi was not present at the White House to receive the award, though an official answer has now been given as to why the Argentine was unavailable.
READ MORE: The records that Lionel Messi is looking to chase in 2025 – he wants them all
Messi missed White House appointment due to scheduling conflicts
According to an official statement from Messi’s team via journalist Jose Armando, Messi missed the A-list event due to having prior commitments, with the Argentine honored to have received such a prestigious title.
The statement read: “The White House informed FIFA, which informed the Club at the end of December that Leo was to be awarded this recognition. Leo, through the Club, sent a letter to the White House saying that he feels deeply honored and that it is a great privilege to receive this recognition.
“However, due to scheduling conflicts and prior commitments, he will not be able to attend. He thanked the gesture and noted that he hopes to have the opportunity to meet with him in the near future.”
Indeed, with Messi one of the most famous athletes on the planet as well as one of the busiest, it makes sense why the Inter Miami attacker was unable to make time for even the president of the United States at the White House.
What will Messi be looking to achieve in 2025 with Inter Miami?
Having won just the Supporters’ Shield with Inter Miami and missing almost half the available games for the Herons, Messi will be the first person to admit that he can do better in 2025 despite an impressive year in 2024.
With the FIFA Club World Cup coming up, Messi will be eager to push Inter Miami as far as possible in the competition alongside Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba under new manager Javier Mascherano, who will all be of the same mindset.
Indeed, Messi will want to take his Inter Miami career to the next level in 2025, and building from the Supporters’ Shield win will be exactly what the Argentine needs to do if he’s to leave a real legacy in Florida.