New Delhi: Lionel Messi and Earvin “Magic” Johnson will be among 19 individuals who will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom from USA President Joe Biden during a ceremony at the White House on Saturday. The medal is considered the highest civilian honor in the United States of America.
“The honourees are great leaders because they are good people who have made extraordinary contributions to their country and the world” said the White House in a statement.
Apart from Messi and Johnson, singer and activist Bono, longtime fashion editor Anna Wintour, actors Denzel Washington and Michael J. Fox and fashion designer Ralph Lauren will also receive the highest civilian honor.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is presented to those individuals who have made contributions to the values, security and prosperity of the country. Johnson is a five-time NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers. He is also a sports team owner and a successful entrepreneur.
Johnson is in the ownership group of Major League Baseball’s Los Angeles Dodgers, the NFL’s Washington Commanders, NWSL’s Washington Spirit and Los Angeles FC in Major League Soccer. His humanitarian work through his Magic Johnson Foundation also supports underserved communities.
Former Barcelona star and Inter-Miami player Lionel Messi is the most decorated player in the history of football. The Argentine World Cup champion supports healthcare and education programs around the world through his foundation and also serves as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.
Full list of 2025 Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients
José Andrés, Bono, Ashton Baldwin Carter (posthumous), Hillary Rodham Clinton, Michael J. Fox, Tim Gill, Jane Goodall, Fannie Lou Hamer (posthumous), Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Robert F. Kennedy (posthumous), Ralph Lauren, Lionel Messi, William Sanford Nye, George W. Romney (posthumous), David M. Rubenstein, George Soros, George Stevens Jr., Anna Wintour, Denzel Washington.
US President Joe Biden has announced the recipients of the prestigious Presidential Medal of Freedom including Lionel Messi and Magic Johnson. Other Sports Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
