Magic Johnson to be bestowed major honor alongside $850,000,000 soccer star by President Joe Biden

LA Lakers legend Magic Johnson will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom on Saturday from outgoing President Joe Biden. Alongside Magic will be Inter Miami star and FIFA World Cup winner Lionel Messi, who will also receive the greatest civilian honor in the United States.

The White House said in a statement about the recipients:

"The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the nation’s highest civilian honor, presented to individuals 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."

Magic Johnson, 65, won five NBA titles during his trophy-laden career with the LA Lakers. The two-time Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer was honored as one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History in 1996 and selected to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021.

His career saw him retire abruptly in 1991 after he announced he had contracted HIV. Since his final retirement in 1996, he has been on the frontline advocating for the disease's prevention through his Magic Johnson Foundation.

On the other hand, Lionel Messi is regarded as one of the GOATs of soccer. The $850 million rated player, according to Celebrity Net Worth, has created and broken numerous records in his career.

As the most decorated soccer player, with 45 team trophies, Messi — with an estimated $850 million net worth per Celebrity Net Worth — has won eight Ballon d'Or awards and three Best FIFA Men's Player awards. He was named the MLS 2024 league MVP after scoring 20 goals and creating 16 assists in 19 games.

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Magic Johnson pens heartfelt tribute to victims of New Orleans violence

Magic Johnson sent a compassionate message on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday following the tragedy in New Orleans, Louisiana. The city was in mourning on New Year's Eve after multiple people were killed in what authorities have called an act of terrorism.

The Lakers legend prayed for the families of the victims who were affected by the sad turn of events.

"Praying for the families of the victims in New Orleans following the senseless act of violence New Year’s Day," Magic said.

The FBI revealed that the attacker acted alone after reports emerged that they were accomplices. The attack led to the postponement of the Sugar Bowl between Notre Dame and Georgia, which was initially scheduled for Wednesday but moved to Thursday.