Magic Johnson, Lionel Messi to receive Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Joe Biden

January 4

Magic Johnson and Lionel Messi are among 19 people receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Joe Biden, the White House announced Saturday, the morning of the awards. The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the United States’ highest civilian honor.

“President Biden believes great leaders keep the faith, give everyone a fair shot, and put decency above all else,” the White House said in a statement. “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.”

Johnson, one of basketball’s greats, won five NBA championships as a player for the Los Angeles Lakers. The three-time MVP and Hall of Famer became known for his HIV activism and philanthropy after announcing his diagnosis in the 1990s. He is also part-owner of the Lakers and other sports teams.

“Off the court, he is a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist who supports underserved communities through his Magic Johnson Foundation,” the White House wrote.

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Magic Johnson won five NBA championships as a player for the Lakers. (Denny Medley / Imagn Images)

Messi, the most decorated professional soccer player in history, moved to Inter Miami in 2023 after spending the majority of his career playing for Barcelona. The White House cited the Argentinian’s philanthropic work with children in awarding him the honor.

“He supports healthcare and education programs for children around the world through the Leo Messi Foundation and serves as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador,” the White House said.

Investor David M. Rubenstein, the principal owner of the Baltimore Orioles, is also receiving the award. Rubenstein founded The Carlyle Group, a private equity firm.

“He is renowned for his philanthropy and generous support for the restoration of historic landmarks and the country’s cultural institutions,” the White House said.

The other recipients include chef José Andrés, U2 lead singer Bono, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, actor Michael J. Fox, software engineer Tim Gill, primatologist Jane Goodall, fashion designer Ralph Lauren, scientist Bill Nye, philanthropist George Soros, director George Stevens Jr., actor Denzel Washington and fashion editor Anna Wintour.

Former Secretary of Defense Ashton Baldwin Carter, civil rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer, former Attorney General Robert Francis Kennedy and businessman George W. Romney are receiving the award posthumously.