The University of Buenos Aires will grant Lionel Messi its highest honorary academic recognition for his sporting career and his representation of Argentina.
The University of Buenos Aires (UBA) will grant Lionel Messi the title of Doctor Honoris Causa, the highest honorary distinction of the institution, in recognition of his sporting career and his role as representative of Argentina.
The recognition to the captain of the Albiceleste will be presented next Tuesday, October 6, before Messi’s farewell match for the Argentine team at the Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires.
The Superior Council of the UBA unanimously approved the distinction and highlighted the footballer’s career as “an example of excellence, perseverance, humility and ethical exercise.”
During his career with the national team, Messi led Argentina to the titles of the 2021 Copa América, the 2022 Finalissima, the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and the 2024 Copa América. He was also world runner-up in 2014 and 2026.
The rector of the UBA, Ricardo Gelpi, highlighted Messi as “an example and ambassador of our popular culture and our national identity.”
At 39 years old, the forward will close more than two decades with the Argentine national team in the friendly against Benin. Messi is currently the Albiceleste’s all-time top scorer, with 125 goals, in addition to being their top assister, with 68, and the player with the most games played, with 207.
