Magic Johnson, Lionel Messi to receive Presidential Medal of Freedom

Basketball Hall of Fame member Magic Johnson and soccer great Lionel Messi are among 19 people who will be honored Saturday at the White House with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

The White House announced the honorees, who will meet with President Joe Biden, early Saturday.

The medal is the nation's highest civilian honor and given to those who have "made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavors," according to the White House.

Johnson is being recognized for his work supporting underserved communities through the Magic Johnson Foundation.

Messi is a UNICEF goodwill ambassador and contributes to education and healthcare programs for kids worldwide through the Leo Messi Foundation.

The recipients, some being honored posthumously, are a star-studded group from the politics, entertainment, business, environmental, fashion, diversity and philanthropic communities. They include former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, U2 frontman Bono, the late Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, and actors Michael J. Fox and Denzel Washington.

--Field Level Media