US President Joe Biden has named football legend Lionel Messi along with 14 others for the nation's highest civilian honour, Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Messi, a World Cup winner with Argentina is one of the most decorated players in the history of the beautiful game. The 37-year-old now plays for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer. Messi joined the American club in July 2023 after spending a trophy-laden two decades in Europe, mostly playing for Spanish giants FC Barcelona.

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“He supports healthcare and education programmes for children around the world through the Leo Messi Foundation and serves as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador,” the White House said on Saturday.

Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, fashion designer Ralph Lauren and controversial investor George Soros are among the other famous recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom this year.

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