Magic Johnson, Lionel Messi get Presidential Medal of Freedom

Earvin "Magic" Johnson and Lionel Messireceived the Presidential Medal of Freedom during a ceremony Saturday at the White House.

President Joe Biden bestowed the honor to 19 of the most famous 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 significant societal, public or private endeavors."

"For the final time as president I have the honor bestowing the Medal of Freedom, our nation's highest civilian honor, on a group of extraordinary, truly extraordinary people, who gave their sacred effort, their sacred effort, to shape the culture and the cause of America," Biden said in his opening remarks, adding, "Let me just say to each of you, thank you, thank you, thank you for all you've done to help this country."

Often regarded as the greatest point guard of all time, Johnson, 65, was a five-time NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakersbefore retiring abruptly in 1991 after announcing that 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. A two-time inductee 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.

After his playing career, Johnson joined ownership groups for the Washington Commanders, Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Sparks, Los Angeles FC in MLS and the NWSL's Washington Spirit.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest soccer players of all time, Messi, 37, has set numerous individual records with eight Ballon d'Or awards and eight times being named FIFA's world's best player. He is the most decorated player in the history of professional soccer, 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 Miamiin MLS, Messi was named 2024 league MVP afterscoring 20 goals and adding 16 assists in 19 matches 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.

Messi did not attend the ceremony but, according to a representative, "sent a letter to the White House saying that he is deeply honored and that it is a profound privilege to receive this recognition but that due to scheduling conflicts and prior commitments he was going to be unable 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.br/]