Lionel Messi ‘issues’ see him miss Presidential Medal of Freedom event with President Joe Biden [Video]

Lionel Messi did not attend President Joe Biden’s Medal of Freedom event due to a ‘scheduling’ issue.

Messi was supposed to receive his award beside Magic Johnson, Hilary Clinton, and Denzel Washington in America’s capital, Washington DC.

However, according to his management team, despite being ‘deeply honored’, prior commitments meant he would not be able to attend.

The Medal of Freedom is America’s highest civilian honour but nobody was present to accept the award on his behalf.

In a statement revealing the recipients of this year’s award, the White House said: “Messi is the most decorated player in the history of professional soccer. 

“He supports healthcare and education programs for children around the world through the Leo Messi Foundation and serves as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.”

The move to hand Messi the award was already controversial as the …