University of Buenos Aires awards honorary doctorate to Messi before his final appearance with Argentina

Lionel Messi, 39, will play his final international match in a friendly between Argentina and Benin, scheduled to kick off at 11:00 p.m. Tuesday Greenwich Mean Time (2:00 a.m. Wednesday local time).

The Argentine star said after receiving an honorary doctorate, “Thank you very much for this wonderful honor, as it recognizes everything I have contributed to the world of sports. Receiving this degree is truly remarkable.”

Messi had announced his retirement from international football on August 31, bringing the curtain down on a long career spanning more than 20 years with his national team, during which he won the Copa América twice, in 2021 and 2024, and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.