The 37-year-old was not present on Saturday to receive his medal from President Biden.
Lionel Messi has released a statement on social media to explain why he was not present at the White House to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom on Saturday.
The 37-year-old is the first men's professional soccer player to receive this award and was commended for his work away from the pitch with healthcare and education programs worldwide through the Leo Messi Foundation and his role as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.
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