Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson and Lionel Messi will be among 19 recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Joe Biden during a Saturday ceremony at the White House.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is considered the highest civilian honor in the country. It is presented to individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States; world peace; or other significant societal, public or private endeavors.
Johnson, a five-time NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers, has become a successful entrepreneur and sports team owner. He’s in the ownership groups for MLB’s Los Angeles Dodgers, the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks, the NFL’s Washington Commanders, Los Angeles FC in MLS and the NWSL’s Washington Spirit. His philanthropic work also supports underserved communities through his Magic Johnson Foundation.
Messi, the Argentine World Cup champion, is the most decorated player in the history of professional soccer, seemingly finishing his legendary career in Major League Soccer with Inter Miami. He supports healthcare and education programs for children around the world through the Leo Messi Foundation and serves as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.
Hillary Clinton, fashion designer Ralph Lauren, U2 frontman Bono, actors Michael J. Fox and Denzel Washington, and popular science education host Bill Nye are also receiving the honor.
Spanish chef José Andrés, entrepreneur and LGBTQ rights activist Tim Gill, world-renowned ethologist and conservationist Dr. Jane Goodall, the Carlyle Group’s David Rubenstein (new owner of MLB’s Baltimore Orioles), philanthropist George Soros, fashion icon and longtime Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, and American Film Institute founder George Stevens Jr. are also among the recipients.
Former Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, former Secretary of Defense Ash Carter, civil and voting rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer, and former Michigan Gov. George Romney are posthumously receiving the honor.
“President Biden believes great leaders keep the faith, give everyone a fair shot, and put decency above all else,” a statement from the White House said.
“These nineteen Americans are great leaders, who have made America a better place. They are great leaders because they are good people who have made extraordinary contributions to their country and the world.”