Chef José Andrés and Leo Messi receive the US Presidential Medal of Freedom

The president of the United States has awarded Spanish chef José Andrés and Argentine soccer player Lionel Messi, among other celebrities and public figures, with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the country’s highest civilian honor, awards that are scheduled to be awarded this Saturday.

Among the 19 honorees are also former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, philanthropist and main Democratic donor George Soros, and Robert F. Kennedy, who will be awarded the recognition posthumously.

José Andrés has been highlighted for his work bringing food in war zones or in places devastated by natural disasters, in a job that is sometimes very risky as was seen in the Gaza Strip, where several aid workers died due to air attacks by Israel.

In 2024, its presence has also been noticeable in Valencia, after the devastating storm that affected that Spanish province. But it has also helped populations in Puerto Rico, after tropical storm ‘Ernesto’, Ukraine and Greece, devastated by forest fires.

The medal is “awarded to individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values ​​or security of the United States, world peace or other important social, public or private efforts,” the White House recalled.

Conservationist and scientist Jane Goodall and several actors, athletes or entertainment figures, such as U2 singer Bono, actors Michael J. Fox and Denzel Washington, soccer player Lionel Messi and basketball player Earvin “Magic” Johnson, as well as icons fashion designers Anna Wintour and Ralph Lauren have also been awarded.

The Presidential Medal of Freedom is an award awarded by the president of the United States and is considered the country’s highest award.

It is intended to provide recognition to individuals who have made an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world or cultural peace, or other public or private endeavors.