Tag Archives: Leo Messi Foundation

José Andrés Receives Presidential Medal of Freedom from U.S. President Joe Biden

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José Andrés has earned a presidential honor…

The 55-year-old Spanish chef, restaurateur and philanthropist is among the 19 individuals who have received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, from President Joe Biden.

Jose Andres, Joe Biden, Presidential Medal of FreedomDuring a special ceremony on Saturday, Andrés was recognized for his work with the World Central Kitchen, the organization he founded that the White House says “has revolutionized the way food aid reaches communities affected by natural disasters and conflict around the world.”

Biden praised Andrés’ unwavering commitment to nourishing communities affected by disasters.

“You answered the call to serve and led others to do the same thing,” President Biden said, addressing the award recipients during the ceremony. “You leave an incredible mark on our country, of insight and influence that can be felt around the globe—in major cities and remote areas alike—binding us closer as people and showing us what’s possible as a nation.”

In 2010, Andrés traveled to Haiti after a devastating earthquake, determined to help. While cooking with displaced families, he learned to prepare black beans the Haitian way—mashed and sieved into a creamy sauce. For José, it wasn’t just about providing food but about listening, learning, and cooking alongside locals. This approach to food aid became the foundation of WCK. Since then, we have served more than 450 million meals to people impacted by crises worldwide.

“José nourishes not only bodies but hearts, in his humanitarian endeavors. His impact on the world will resonate for generations”, WCK CEO Erin Gore said. “This honor reflects his extraordinary global contributions and the deep humanity that defines him. He inspires us all.”

WCK teams are currently on the ground in Gaza, Lebanon, Ukraine, Spain, Mayotte and North Carolina supporting families affected by conflict and natural disaster.

Biden also awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Lionel Messi, who was unable to attend the ceremony.

The White House cited the 37-year-old Argentine professional soccer star, who plays for Major League Soccer club Inter Miami, for his philanthropic efforts, including the Leo Messi Foundation and his work as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador as part of the basis for the award.

Per USA Today, Messi was “deeply honored” by the award and hoped to have a chance to meet Biden in the near future.

Other recipients of the medal included U2 front man Bono, former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, actor Michael J. Fox, software programmer and activist Tim Gill, primatologist Jane Goodall, fashion designer Ralph Lauren, science educator Bill Nye, investment firm owner David M. Rubenstein, philanthropist George Soros, director George Stevens Jr., actor Denzel Washington and fashion editor Anna Wintour.

Former Secretary of Defense Ashton Baldwin Carter, civil rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer, former attorney general Robert Francis Kennedy and former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development George W. Romney were all honored with the award posthumously.

Messi Makes Large Donation to Argentine Sports Facility

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He may be the world’s best soccer player four years running… But Lionel Messi one of the big-hearted players in the sport.

The 25-year-old Argentine soccer star recently donated nearly $1 million pesos (about $202,000 U.S.) to a sports facility used by children from low-income families in his hometown of Rosario, Argentina, according to his foundation.
Lionel Messi
The money donated by the FC Barcelona striker will be used to improve the Deliot sports complex in Rosario, located about 186 miles from Buenos Aires, allowing children to “have a special place for sports, education, training and culture,” said officials from the Leo Messi Foundation.

The foundation, run by the soccer player and his family, seeks to improve “the well-being of young people and the community.”

But this isn’t the first time Messi, who just won a fourth consecutive FIFA Ballon d’Or, has provided funds for community projects in his hometown.

The Leo Messi Foundation, the FC Barcelona Foundation and Organizacion Social Team recently renovated another sports facility in Rosario used by about 10,000 young people.

Messi was born in a lower-middle-class section of Rosario and began his soccer career with a neighborhood team.

Daddy Yankee to Perform at Messi’s Charity Soccer Match

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Daddy Yankee is partnering with soccer star Lionel Messi to raise money for at-risk children…

The 35-year-old Puerto Rican reggaeton star will perform Thursday in Bogota during Match of the Stars, a benefit soccer match that aiming to raise money for the Leo Messi Foundation.

Daddy Yankee

“I wanted to accompany Messi and the rest of the players who are getting behind this cause,” Daddy Yankee said about the project organized by the 24-year-old Argentine futbolista, who was recently named the world’s best soccer player for the third straight year.

Daddy Yankee, the mastermind behind the popular songs “Gasolina” and “Impacto,” will sing during the halftime show at the exhibition game to be played at Bogota’s iconic El Campin stadium.

The money raised for the Messi Foundation will be used to help needy children in Colombia.

“Colombia has given me a lot and we have to support every initiative that helps make sure that the different foundations sheltering poor boys and girls in Colombia can to keep caring for them,” said Daddy Yankee.

During his halftime show, Daddy Yankee will premiere his new single “Pasarela” for the Colombian audience, as well as perform his hit song “Lovumba.” Both singles are included on his latest album Prestige, which goes on sale later this summer.

The lineup for the Match of the Stars will include the Argentines Messi and Javier Mascherano, Uruguayans Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez and the Colombian Radamel Falcao, all of whom will take part in the World Soccer Masters Tour at Miami’s Sun Life Stadium on Saturday, June 23.