Lionel Messi will receive an honorary doctorate from the University of Buenos Aires on October 6, just before his final appearance for the Argentina national team against Benin at the Estadio Monumental. The highest honor recognizes his athletic achievements alongside his contributions to the nation’s culture.
University of Buenos Aires Confers Highest Honor
The Higher Council of the University of Buenos Aires approved the decision to name Messi a Doctor Honoris Causa. University authorities cited his leadership in securing recent international titles, including the Copa América, the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, and the Finalissima against Italy, as well as a second-place finish in the World Cup of this year.
University Rector Ricardo Gelpi emphasized that the award extends beyond athletic performance. Gelpi stated that the institution wants to recognize a humble and persevering person who serves as an ambassador for Argentine popular culture and national identity. Vice Rector Emiliano Yacobitti added that the decoration represents gratitude from the entire Argentine society for how Messi carried the national team’s jersey with courage and respect.
Farewell Match Against Benin
The ceremony on October 6 precedes Messi’s final official match with the Selección. The forward announced his retirement from international play last month, concluding a career spanning more than two decades with the senior national team. The farewell match against Benin kicks off at 20:00 at the Estadio Monumental. Organizers confirmed that Messi will wear a special jersey featuring gold lettering and a Sun of May to mark the occasion.
Civic Tributes Across Argentina
The academic honor follows other recent domestic tributes to the team captain. In Santa Fe, authorities renamed a coastal promenade “Lionel Messi”—previously named after Néstor Kirchner—to honor the player locally. The renaming reflects ongoing public acknowledgments of the player’s impact on domestic sports and culture following the team’s recent world championship victories.