Barcelona legend Lionel Messi to be handed special award by US president Joe Biden | OneFootball

Barcelona icon Lionel Messi will soon be the recipient of an altogether prestigious individual award.

As much will come by way of none other than the government of the USA, in recognition of the Argentine’s triumphs and off the pitch alike.

As confirmed by a host of American sources on Saturday, Messi will be handed the ‘Medal of Freedom’ by US president Joe Biden.

The prize, as cited by Biden himself, is awarded based on the following criteria:

‘Great leaders who are good people who have made extraordinary contributions to their country and the world.’

Messi, who is of course currently plying his club trade in Major League Soccer with Inter Miami, qualifies for the Medal of Freedom through his work with both UNICEF and the Lionel Messi Foundation.

Other noteworthy figures set to be recognised at the event include the likes of Hillary Clinton, and Bill Nye.

Conor Laird – GSFN