Biden awards Presidential Medal of Freedom to Hillary Clinton and Denzel Washington, Lionel Messi misses ceremony

(Patria)- President Joe Biden awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom on Saturday to former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, chef Jose Andres, actor Michael J. Fox, and conservationist Jane Goodall in one of his last official acts in office, Reuters reported.

Biden, who leaves the White House on January 20, when President Donald Trump is inaugurated, also gave what is considered America's highest civilian honor to humanitarian and U2 singer Bono, fashion designer Ralph Lauren, Bill Nye, actor Denzel Washington, basketball star Earvin “Magic” Johnson, and Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour.

Among other recipients are Tim Gill, an LGBT activist, David Rubenstein, a philanthropist and co-founder of The Carlyle Group, and George Stevens Jr., a writer and director who founded the American Film Institute.

Footballer Lionel Messi received the award but did not attend the ceremony. White House officials said the Argentinian had a packed schedule. Investor and philanthropist George Soros also received the award but did not attend the ceremony. His son Alex accepted the award on his behalf.

Biden posthumously awarded the Medal of Freedom to Fannie Lou Hamer, a civil rights activist, Ash Carter, former Secretary of Defense, then Robert F. Kennedy, former Attorney General and senator and brother of President John F. Kennedy, then George Romney, a businessman and former governor of Michigan and Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. His son,
Senator Mitt Romney, accepted the award on his behalf.

Biden called the group of award recipients "truly exceptional people" who have made efforts to shape America's things and culture.