Earvin “Magic” Johnson and Lionel Messi received the Presidential Medal of Freedom during a ceremony Saturday at the White House.
president joe biden awarded the honor to 19 of the biggest names in politics, sports, entertainment, civil rights, LGBTQ+ advocacy and science.
The White House said the recipients have made “exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values or security of the United States, world peace or other important social, public or private endeavors.”
“For the last time as president I have the honor of awarding the Medal of Freedom, our nation’s highest civilian honor, to a group of extraordinary people, truly extraordinary, who gave their sacred effort, their sacred effort, to shape culture and the cause of America,” Biden said in his opening remarks, adding, “Let me say to each of you, thank you, thank you, thank you for everything you have done to help this country.”
Johnson, 65, often considered the greatest point guard of all time, was a five-time NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers before abruptly retiring in 1991 after announcing he had contracted HIV. He was honored as one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History in 1996 and selected to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021. Twice inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, he was enshrined in 2002 for his individual career and in 2010 as a member of the Dream Team.
Since his retirement, Johnson has been an advocate for HIV/AIDS prevention. His philanthropic work also supports underserved communities through his Magic Johnson Foundation.
Following his playing career, Johnson joined the ownership groups of the Washington Commanders, Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Sparks, Los Angeles FC in the MLS, and the Washington Spirit of the NWSL.
Widely considered one of the greatest soccer players of all time, Messi, 37, has set numerous individual records with eight Ballon d’Or awards and been named the best player in the world eight times by FIFA. He is the most decorated player in the history of professional football, having won 45 team trophies, including four UEFA Champions Leagues, two Copa Americas and one FIFA World Cup.
In his first full season with Inter Miami in MLS, Messi was named the 2024 league MVP after scoring 20 goals and adding 16 assists in 19 games, while his club set a league record with a 74-point campaign. .
Messi supports education and healthcare programs for children around the world through the Leo Messi Foundation and serves as a UNICEF goodwill ambassador.
Messi did not attend the ceremony but, according to a representative, “sent a letter to the White House saying that he feels deeply honored and that it is a profound privilege to receive this recognition but that due to scheduling conflicts and prior commitments he would not be able to attend.
“He appreciated the gesture and noted that he hopes to have the opportunity to meet in the near future.”
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
