Argentina captain Lionel Messi is set to add another honour to his remarkable career, with the University of Buenos Aires (UBA) approving an honorary doctorate in recognition of his achievements in football and his contribution to Argentina.
The university’s Higher Council unanimously approved the award, its highest honorary distinction, with Messi expected to receive it on Tuesday, October 6, ahead of Argentina’s farewell match against Benin at the Monumental Stadium.
UBA said the recognition goes beyond Messi’s records and statistics, highlighting what it described as his excellence, perseverance, humility and commitment to representing his country.
The decision comes at a significant point in Messi’s international career, as the 39-year-old prepares for what is expected to be his final appearance for Argentina.
For years, Messi’s relationship with the national team was marked by both extraordinary success and difficult moments. After losing three consecutive major finals between 2014 and 2016, including the 2014 FIFA World Cup and two Copa América finals, the forward briefly announced his international retirement in 2016 before returning to the team.
His fortunes changed dramatically in the years that followed.
Messi finally lifted his first major senior international trophy with Argentina at the 2021 Copa América, before leading the team to victory in the 2022 Finalissima and, most significantly, the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
He also helped Argentina win the 2024 Copa América, further cementing his status as one of the most influential figures in the country’s football history.
Argentina subsequently reached the 2026 World Cup final, adding another chapter to Messi’s international story.
UBA Rector Ricardo Gelpi said the honorary doctorate was intended to recognise Messi as more than a footballer.
“Beyond what all Argentinians know about Messi, regardless of the numbers and statistics that attest to his status as an athlete, we also want to recognise a humble, persevering person, an example and ambassador of our popular culture and national identity,” Gelpi said.
UBA Vice-Rector Emiliano Yacobitti similarly praised Messi for the manner in which he represented Argentina.
“Leo Messi knew how to convey the values of the Argentine jersey and represent it with courage and respect, and thus managed to take it to the highest level of world football,” Yacobitti said.
He added that the honour was “a recognition that transcends his football career” and a tribute from the university on behalf of Argentine society.
The honorary doctorate comes as Messi prepares for Argentina’s farewell match against Benin on October 6 at the Monumental Stadium, an occasion expected to mark the end of his international playing career.
For a player who once faced intense criticism for his inability to win a major trophy with Argentina, the recognition offers another reflection of how dramatically his international legacy has evolved.