“Magic” Johnson said he felt “humbled and overwhelmed with emotion” after being honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom on Saturday.
The NBA legend was one of 19 people awarded America's highest civilian honor by outgoing President Joe Biden.
Is reserved for 'individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values or security of the United States, world peace, or other important social, public or private endeavors.'
Johnson and soccer legend Lionel Messi were the only sports stars on the list. But while Messi skipped the ceremony, Johnson headed to the White House to collect his award.
In comical footage, the five-time NBA champion is seen crouching down to allow Biden to place the medal around his neck.
Johnson then shared a handshake and a laugh with the outgoing president. He also posed for photos with Hollywood legend Denzel Washington, who was also honored Saturday.
'Magic' Johnson was 'overwhelmed with emotion' after receiving the Medal of Freedom
The NBA legend was one of 19 people to receive America's highest civilian honor on Saturday.
Johnson was forced to crouch down to allow President Biden to put the medal around his neck.
After the ceremony, Johnson released a statement detailing his pride in receiving the award.
'I feel very honored and overwhelmed with emotion right now. “It is an absolute honor and privilege that President Joe Biden has selected me for the esteemed Presidential Medal of Freedom,” he wrote in instagram.
'Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined that this little boy from Lansing, Michigan would one day grow up and receive one of the highest civilian awards in the United States.
“To be in the company of so many extraordinary people is both humbling and inspiring.”
Johnson thanked Biden for the award, which celebrated his success with the Lakers and his work off the court through the 'Magic Johnson Foundation.'
'This award is not mine alone; It belongs to everyone who has helped me become the person and businessman I am today,” he continued, citing his family, “friends, mentors and colleagues.”
'It also belongs to all who have dedicated themselves to the causes of freedom, justice and equality.
'I accept this honor with a deep sense of responsibility. It serves as a reminder of the work that still needs to be done and the change we can all help bring about! “I promise to continue working to make a positive difference for our country and the world.”
Lionel Messi, pictured last week with his wife Antonela, chose not to attend the ceremony.
Johnson poses in front of a portrait of Michelle Obama with her mother Christine
The NBA legend was honored alongside Hollywood icon Denzel Washington (right)
Other sports stars who have received the Medal of Freedom in recent years include Tiger Woods, Megan Rapinoe and Olympic heroines Simone Biles and Katie Ledecky.
Also among this year's recipients were U2 frontman Bono, Hillary Clinton and Hollywood stars Michael J. Fox and Washington.
Messi was not at the White House, however, and his absence is said to be due to a “scheduling issue.”
It was also reported that no one attended to receive the award on his behalf, and the announcer even skipped Messi's name when reading the medal winners in 2025.
On Friday, Messi was photographed playing soccer with some children at his home in Rosario, Argentina, after spending Christmas in Miami with his family.
The decision to hand him the honor had already sparked public ire earlier in the day, with one fan describing it as “nonsense.”