Andrea Bocelli was presented with one of the highest honors in Argentina on Wednesday by president Javier MIlei.

Bocelli received the country's Order of May award, one of its highest distinctions, as the Argentine government recognised his influence on contemporary classical music.

"I grew up with a great love for music, of course. But neither I nor my parents would ever have imagined that a day would come when I would receive recognition like this," Bocelli said after being awarded the honor during a ceremony in the White Hall of the Casa Rosada, the official office of the president.

After receiving the medal, Bocelli performed a brief musical tribute.

He played Argentine Carlos Gardel's Tango "Por una cabeza" on piano, and sang Mexican Consuelo Velazquez's Bolero "Bésame mucho," earning the applause of the audience.