Lionel Messi was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States, by President Joe Biden on Saturday but failed to attend the ceremony at the White House. 

The Argentine World Cup winner and eight-time Ballon d'Or winner now plays in the United States for Major League Soccer's Inter Miami. 

He is the first Argentine to have been awarded the honor as the first male soccer player. But while other award recipients, including U2 singer and activist Bono, former basketball star Earvin "Magic" Johnson, and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, attended the ceremony at the White House, Messi was absent.

The White House informed FIFA, who told the club at the end of December about Messi’s award and the ceremony. But Messi’s representative informed them he had a prior commitment. 

‘Leo, through the club, sent a letter to the White House saying that he is deeply honored and that it is a profound privilege to receive this recognition but that due to scheduling conflicts and prior commitments, he was going to be unable to attend. He appreciated the gesture and noted that he hopes to have the opportunity to meet in near future,' the statement added.

The award is given to individuals who have made "exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values or security of the United States, world peace or other significant societal, public or private endeavors," according to the White House.

The White House statement said that Messi had been given the award as "the most decorated player in the history of professional soccer. He supports healthcare and education programs for children around the world through the Leo Messi Foundation and serves as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador."