Biden Awards Presidential Medal of Freedom To Messi, Denzel Washington, Others 

Biden Awards Presidential Medal of Freedom To Messi, Denzel Washington, Others 

On Saturday, the Presidential Medal of Freedom was awarded by President Joe Biden to a distinguished group of individuals, including renowned Argentine soccer player, Lionel Messi, and acclaimed actors, Denzel Washington and Michael J. Fox.

In a ceremony held at the White House, other honorees included former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, singer Bono, fashion designer Ralph Lauren, renowned chef Jose Andres, basketball legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson, investor George Soros, and celebrated scientist Bill Nye.

The Medal of Freedom, recognized as the highest civilian honor in the United States, was also given to Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, LGBT activist Tim Gill, philanthropist David Rubenstein, and writer George Stevens Jr.

Additionally, the event included posthumous awards for several influential figures, such as civil rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer, former Secretary of Defense Ash Carter, Robert F. Kennedy—a former Attorney General and U.S. Senator, and brother of President John F. Kennedy—and businessman George Romney, who also served as Governor of Michigan and Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

Although Lionel Messi was among the honorees, he was unable to attend the event due to a scheduling conflict, according to White House officials.