Lionel Messi has added another special honour to his remarkable career ahead of his final appearance for the Argentina national team. The University of Buenos Aires has awarded him its highest honorary academic distinction in recognition of his career and achievements representing his country.
Argentina will face Benin early tomorrow, Wednesday, at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires. The match will mark Messi’s final appearance for La Albiceleste, less than three months after Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.
While the match carries little sporting significance, it has become an occasion to celebrate the career of Argentina’s captain, who is preparing to bid farewell to the national team after years of remarkable achievements.
The University of Buenos Aires, Argentina’s most prestigious educational institution, awarded the 39-year-old Messi an honorary doctorate (Doctor Honoris Causa), the highest honorary distinction granted by the university.
The honour recognises Messi’s outstanding football career, his achievements with the Argentina national team and the role he has played in representing his country on the international stage.
The decision was unanimously approved. The Higher Council of the University of Buenos Aires endorsed the honour, describing the career of the world champion and eight-time Ballon d’Or winner as “an example of excellence, perseverance, humility and ethical conduct.”
The honorary title comes without any academic or professional obligations. Despite becoming an honorary doctor, Messi gains no academic or professional rights and will not teach or deliver lectures at the university.
Messi is the first footballer to receive an honorary doctorate from the University of Buenos Aires. The university has previously honoured a number of scientists, academics and politicians from Argentina and abroad, including French scientists Françoise Barré-Sinoussi and Luc Montagnier.