Lionel Messi and Magic Johnson will be honoured with the presidential medal of Freedom by Joe Bayden

Ervin “and he will receive the presidential medal of Liberty during a ceremony (4/1/2025). President Joe Biden will award the honor to 19 of the most famous names of politics, sport, entertainment, civil rights, the defence of LGBTQ+ and science. Among them Lionel Messi and “Madzik” Johnson. CORVERSE Among the honored faces are also Hillary Clinton, fashion designer Ralph Lauren, frontman of U2, Bono, actors Michael Fox and Denzel Washington, mega-investor George Soros and Spanish chef José Andrés. The White House said recipients have “a model contribution to the welfare, values or security of the United States, world peace or other important social, public or private efforts.” “President Biden believes that great leaders maintain faith, give everyone a fair opportunity and put dignity above all. These nineteen are great leaders who made America a better place. They are great leaders because they are good people who have contributed highly to their country and to the world,” stresses the White House and continues: ADVERSION “Mesi supports health care and education programs for children around the world through the Leo Messi Foundation and serves as UNICEF’s goodwill ambassador. Johnson Offfield, is a successful businessman and philanthropist who supports degraded communities through Magic Johnson’s Foundation”. Ervin “Madzik” Johnson Johnson was five-time NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers before he abruptly retired in 1991 after announcing that he had contracted HIV. He was honored as one of the 50 best players in NBA history in 1996 and was selected to the NBA 75th anniversary team in 2021. He was introduced twice to the “Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame”, in 2002 for his individual career and as a member of the Dream Team in 2010. Since his retirement, Johnson has also been an advocate of HIV/AIDS prevention. After his career as a player, Johnson joined ownership teams for the Washington Commanders, Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Sparks, Los Angeles FC in the NWSL MLS and Washington Spirit. His charity work also supports underserved communities through his Magic Johnson Foundation. Lionel Messi The Messi, 37, has scored many individual records with eight “Golden Ball” awards and eight times as FIFA’s best player in the world. He is the most prized player in professional football history, having won 45 team trophies, including four UEFA Champions League, two Copa America and a FIFA World Cup. In his first full season with MLS’ Inter Miami, Messi emerged MVP of the 2024 league after scoring 20 goals and adding 16 assists to 19 games, while his team scored a league record with 74 points. Messi supports health care and education programs for children around the world through the Leo Messi Foundation and serves as UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. Source: RES-AE