A former United States Men's National Team star has blasted Lionel Messi's decision not to attend a ceremony with President Joe Biden at the White House. Back in the summer of 2023, Messi decided to ditch European football after leaving French giants Paris Saint Germain for Major League Soccer outfit Inter Miami.

Messi’s management team and his pro team, Inter Miami, informed the White House ahead of time that he would not be able to attend the ceremony due to scheduling conflicts.

Lionel Messi was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States, by President Joe Biden on Saturday but did not attend the ceremony at the White House.

Magic Johnson and Lionel Messi are among 19 people receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Joe Biden, the White House announced Saturday, the morning of the awards. The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the United States’ highest civilian honor.

Hillary Clinton, George Soros, Lionel Messi and Bono are among 19 people President Biden awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

NFL legend Brett Favre added to the scrutiny on Saturday over President Biden awarding the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Hillary Clinton and George Soros.