By Tapiwa Chawagarira
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Lionel Messi is set to add another prestigious honour to his extraordinary career after the University of Buenos Aires (UBA) approved his appointment as Doctor Honoris Causa, the institution’s highest honorary distinction.
The decision was unanimously approved by the university’s Superior Council, with UBA citing Messi’s remarkable sporting career, perseverance, humility, and contributions to representing Argentine culture and national identity on the global stage.
The honour will be formally presented on Tuesday, October 6, shortly before Messi is expected to make his farewell appearance for Argentina against Benin at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.
UBA Rector Ricardo Gelpi said the university wanted to recognise more than Messi’s statistics and achievements on the football pitch, highlighting his influence as an example and ambassador of Argentina’s popular culture.
The university also highlighted Messi’s contributions to Argentina’s golden era, including the 2021 Copa América, the 2022 Finalissima, the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and the 2024 Copa América. UBA further noted that Messi was part of the Argentina squad that finished as runners-up at the 2026 World Cup.
UBA Vice-Rector Emiliano Yacobitti said the recognition went beyond Messi’s football career, describing it as a tribute from the university and wider Argentine society to a figure who has carried the country’s colours to the highest level.
The distinction carries particular significance because it comes as Messi prepares to bring the curtain down on his international career with Argentina.
FIFA confirmed that the 39-year-old will feature in Argentina’s farewell friendly against Benin on October 6 at the Monumental, following his announcement of international retirement after the 2026 World Cup.
The occasion will, therefore, combine two major moments in Messi’s remarkable relationship with his country — an academic institution formally recognising his contributions to Argentine society and football, followed by his final appearance in the famous blue-and-white shirt.
Importantly, the title Doctor Honoris Causa does not mean Messi has earned an academic doctorate. UBA regulations define it as an honorary distinction for individuals with outstanding national or international achievements, and explicitly state that it is not equivalent to an academic degree awarded by the university.
For a player whose career has already included World Cup glory, continental titles, and numerous individual accolades, the UBA honour represents yet another recognition of Messi’s broader cultural impact — this time from Argentina’s leading public university.
