Magic Johnson attended the White House on Saturday to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom – but fellow recipient Lionel Messi was nowhere to be seen.

Joe Biden awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to several recipients during Saturday’s ceremony – including 2016 Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, U2 singer Bono, Oscar-winning actor Denzel Washington, and ‘Back to the Future’ icon Michael J. Fox.

The honor is the highest civilian award in the United States. NBA legend Johnson and Inter Miami superstar Messi were both given the nod by Biden on Saturday, and Johnson attended the White House to receive his medal in person from the outgoing U.S. President.

It initially seemed unclear how Biden would put the medal around Johnson’s neck, as the Los Angeles Lakers icon is around nine inches taller than Biden. Yet Johnson showed his class by bending down and smiling while Biden put the medal around his neck. The recipient’s actions led to laugher and applause at the White House.

After Johnson received his medal, sports fans waited for Messi to get his. Yet the World Cup winner did not make an appearance at the White House, and nobody accepted the award on his behalf. Messi’s name wasn’t even heard during the ceremony.

It’s unclear why the soccer star did not attend the ceremony. Mirror U.S. Sports has contacted Inter Miami for comment.

Lionel Messi missed Saturday's ceremony

Lionel Messi missed Saturday’s ceremony ( 

Image:

Getty Images)

“Messi is the most decorated player in the history of professional soccer,” read a statement from the White House after announcing Messi as a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. “He supports healthcare and education programs for children around the world through the Leo Messi Foundation and serves as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.”

Johnson was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom after a glittering career, both on and off the court. The 65-year-old won five NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers during the 1980s before helping the United States win gold at the 1992 Olympics.

Johnson became an advocate for HIV prevention and awareness after announcing he had contracted the disease in 1991. He’s also become a successful businessman and a part owner in several sports teams, including the Los Angeles Dodgers, since retiring from basketball.

The announcer said during Sarturday’s ceremony: “With unmatched vision and versatility, Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson drove the ‘Showtime’ era for the Los Angeles Lakers… Under the same bright lights, his honesty about his HIV status shattered stigma and saved lives. With a legendary will and smile, Magic Johnson rose from the playground in Lansing, Michigan to become one of the most beloved athletes of our time.”

Messi, meanwhile, is arguably the greatest soccer player of all time. The 37-year-old became a four-time Champions League winner during his time with Barcelona and captained Argentina to victory at the 2022 World Cup. He’s also an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.