Lionel Messi criticized for absence as ex-USMNT star Alexi Lalas questions 'strange' decision to award Inter Miami captain Presidential Medal of Freedom

The Inter Miami captain was awarded America's highest civilian honour on Saturday and was invited to meet the outgoing president of the United States in Washington DC. However, the 37-year-old did not attend the ceremony - something that has drawn the ire of ex-United States men's national team star Alexi Lalas. He questioned the "strange" decision to award the Argentine the accolade in the first place, but said Messi should have "found a way" to attend the event.

Lalas said in response to a post asking if Messi's decision to "skip" the ceremony was "wrong" on X: "Yes. It was ridiculous and strange to award it to Messi. But if you're going to accept the honor, then find a way to be in DC."

Messi was one of the few recipients to skip the event, with it later emerging that the 2022 World Cup winner did not show up due to a "scheduling conflict."

Messi is currently enjoying his off-season break but is likely to feature in Miami's fast-approaching pre-season games in the coming weeks.