Magic, Messi to get Presidential Medal of Freedom

Earvin “Magic” Johnson and Lionel Messi will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom during a ceremony at the White House on Saturday.

President Joe Biden will give respect 19 of the most famous names in politics, sports, entertainment, civil rights, LGBTQ+ advocacy, and science.

The White House said recipients have made “exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant social, public, or private endeavors.”

Johnson, 65, considered the greatest point guard of all-time, was a five-time NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers before suddenly retiring in 1991 after announcing he was infected with HIV. He was honored as one of the 50 greatest players in NBA history in 1996 and was selected to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021. A two-time inductee into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, he was honored for his individual career in 2002. As a member of the Dream Team in 2010.

Since his retirement, Johnson has been an advocate of HIV/AIDS prevention. His philanthropic work also supports underprivileged 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.

Regarded as one of the greatest football players of all time, the 37-year-old Messi holds several personal records with eight Ballon d’Or awards and has won the FIFA World Player of the Year award eight times. 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 health care and education programs for children around the world through the Leo Messi Foundation and serves as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.

Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.

Leave a Comment