Argentine university awards Messi honorary doctorate

The University of Buenos Aires announced on Wednesday that it will award Argentine football legend Lionel Messi an honorary doctorate, its highest honor, in recognition of his sporting career and his role in representing Argentina.

Messi is scheduled to receive the degree on Tuesday, October 6, ahead of his farewell match for the Argentine national team against Benin at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires.

Messi led his country to victory in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. He also won the Copa América twice with Argentina, in 2021 and 2024, in addition to winning the Olympic gold medal in 2008. He also reached the World Cup final in 2014 and again this year.

According to a statement, University President Ricardo Gelpi said Messi is “a model and ambassador of our popular culture and national identity.”

In the friendly match against Benin, 39-year-old Messi will conclude more than two decades with the Argentine national team, where he tops the all-time scoring list with 125 goals. He is also the team’s all-time leading playmaker with 68 assists and holds the record for the most international appearances with 207 caps.