Lionel Messi and Magic Johnson will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom

Lionel Messi and Earvin “Magic” Johnson will be presented with the Presidential Medal of Freedom during a White House event on Saturday.

Among the 19 most well-known figures in science, civil rights, sports, entertainment, politics, and LGBTQ+ activism, President Joe Biden will present the prize.

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

Considered by many to be the best point guard of all time, Johnson, 65, won five NBA titles with the Los Angeles Lakers before he announced his HIV diagnosis and abruptly retired in 1991.

In 1996, he was named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History, and in 2021, he was chosen for the NBA 75th Anniversary Team. A part of the Dream Team in 2010, he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2010 after being inducted twice for his individual career in 2002.

Johnson has promoted HIV/AIDS prevention because of his retirement. He also uses his Magic Johnson Foundation to promote underprivileged areas as part of his charitable endeavors.

Following his time as a player, Johnson joined ownership groups for the Washington Commanders, Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Sparks, Los Angeles FC in Major League Soccer, and the Washington Spirit in the NWSL.

Considered by many to be among the best soccer players of all time, Messi, 37, has won eight Ballon d’Or honors and been crowned FIFA’s world’s best player eight times. Four UEFA Champions Leagues, two Copa Americas, and one FIFA World Cup are among the 45 team trophies he has won, making him the most decorated player in professional soccer history.

During his first full season with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, Messi scored 20 goals and provided 16 assists in 19 games, helping his team break a league record with 74 points. He was awarded the 2024 league MVP.

In addition to being a UNICEF goodwill ambassador, Messi uses the Leo Messi Foundation to fund health and education initiatives for kids worldwide.