Lionel Messi will be awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Buenos Aires next week in recognition of his sporting achievements and wider contribution to Argentina, the institution announced.
The university’s Superior Council approved the Doctor Honoris Causa distinction unanimously. The ceremony is scheduled for October 6 at the Monumental Stadium, shortly before Messi is expected to make his final appearance for the Argentina national team in a friendly against Benin.
University authorities cited Messi’s career as an example of “excellence, perseverance, humility and ethical conduct,” along with his role representing the country on the global stage.
Rector Ricardo Gelpi described the Argentina captain as an “example and ambassador of our popular culture and of our national identity.”
Vice-Rector Emiliano Yacobitti said Messi had embodied the values of the national team shirt “with courage and respect,” adding that the honour represented “a tribute and a thank you that we offer from the UBA on behalf of all Argentine society.”
The recognition highlights Messi’s leadership in Argentina’s recent successes, including the 2021 Copa América, the 2022 Finalissima, the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and the 2024 Copa América. Argentina also reached the final of the 2026 World Cup.
The award is honorary and does not require formal academic study. Messi completed his secondary education while training at Barcelona’s academy but did not attend university, prioritising his professional football career from a young age.
Messi, 39, remains Argentina’s all-time leading scorer and most-capped player. The doctorate will form part of the formal farewell events surrounding his expected retirement from international football.
