Lionel Messi, the star forward for MLS side Inter Miami and Argentina's men's national team, was among the 19 recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom on Sunday — which is ridiculous.

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.

On Saturday at the White House, President Joe Biden presented the Presidential Medal of Freedom to honor 19 people for their distinguished accomplishments. One person who was absent from that ceremony was Argentina soccer legend and Inter Miami star Lionel Messi,

Lionel Messi has been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by United States President Joe Biden, but the Argentina star was notably absent from

Inter Miami and Argentina talisman Lionel Messi is set to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom from US President Joe Biden on Saturday at the White House.

US President Joe Biden on Saturday honoured 19 celebrities including football great Lionel Messi and fashion icon Anna Wintour with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, shortly before the end of his term in office.

Lionel Messi's decision to skip a prestigious ceremony at the White House has sparked debate across the soccer world and beyond. On Saturday, the Inter Miami captain was set to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Joe Biden.

U.S. President Joe Biden presented the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States, to 19 prominent figures.