Argentine soccer star Leo Messi, former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Spanish chef José Andrés are included in the list of 19 figures from politics, the arts and activism who were awarded by President Joe Biden with the Medal of Freedom.
The Argentine soccer star, Lionel Messi, was awarded the Medal of Freedom this Saturday at the White House by the president of the United States, Joe Biden, who also honored former Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, with the distinction. Spanish-American chef José Andrés, and NBA basketball player Magic Johnson.
In total, there were 19 figures honored, on a list that includes well-known names such as actor Michael J. Fox, the leader of the rock band U2 and social justice activist, Bono; and William Sanford Nye, known to generations of students as “Bill Nye the Science Guy.”
Biden presented the medals to several of the winners, including Clinton, Andrés, Johnson, Nye, Fox and Bono in an event at the presidential residence in Washington that the Argentine star did not attend.
The White House indicated that the winners have made “exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values or security of the United States, world peace or other significant social, public or private efforts.”
In the statement, the administration insisted that the winners are people “who have made the United States and the world a better place. “They are great leaders because they are good people who have made extraordinary contributions to their country and the world.”
Four medals were awarded posthumously to Fannie Lou Hamer, who founded the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party and laid the foundation for the Voting Rights Act of 1965; former Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy; George W. Romney, who was governor of Michigan and secretary of Housing and Urban Development; and Ash Carter, former Secretary of Defense.
Robert F. Kennedy is the father of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for Secretary of Health, and George W. Romney, the father of former Utah Republican Senator Mitt Romney, a former Republican presidential candidate and one of Trump's strongest conservative critics.
Messi
Messi is considered the best soccer player in the world and most analysts, technical trainers and former players affirm that he is the best soccer player in history.
To his credit, Messi has led Argentina to obtain the Qatar Soccer World Cup 2022the Copa América 2024, has won the Ballon d'Or eight times and different awards from La Liga and the UEFA Champions League.
“Lionel Messi is the most decorated player in the history of professional football. He supports health and education programs for children around the world through the Leo Messi Foundation and is a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, the White House said.
He is currently the main figure of Inter Miami since 2023.
Hillary Clinton, “Magic” Johnson, José Andrés and Denzel Washington
Former Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton made history several times throughout her long career. She was the first First Lady elected to the United States Senate. After serving as Secretary of State, she became the first woman nominated for president by a major United States political party.
“Magic” Johnson was selected for his outstanding time in the US National Basketball Association. Now of retirement age, Johnson is remembered for having led his Los Angeles Lakers team to win five championships. “Off the court, he is a successful businessman and philanthropist who supports disadvantaged communities through his Magic Johnson Foundation,” the White House statement said.
Chef José Andrés has stood out for his innovations, taking the art of cooking to spectacular levels.
José Andrés helped popularize Spanish tapas in the United States and is often seen in action at his World Central Kitchen providing “large-scale aid to communities affected by natural disasters and conflicts around the world.”
Other honorees include conservationist Jane Goodall; Vogue Magazine editor Anna Wintour; fashion designer Ralph Lauren; Film Institute founder George Stevens Jr.; entrepreneur and LGBTQ+ activist Tim Gill; and David Rubenstein, co-founder of global investment firm The Carlyle Group.
Last year, Biden awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to 19 people, including the late Medgar Evers, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Rep. James Clyburn of South Carolina and actress Michelle Yeoh.
(With information from The Associated Press)