Messi to receive honorary doctorate from Argentine university

Argentina's forward #10 Lionel Messi has tears in his eyes as celebrates winning the 2026 World Cup round of 16 football match between Argentina and Egypt at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta on July 7, 2026. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP)

The University of Buenos Aires has announced that it will award Argentina captain Lionel Messi an honorary doctorate for his professional career and contribution to the country.

According to a statement posted on its website on Wednesday, the university’s Higher Council unanimously approved the decision, with the honorary degree scheduled to be presented to Messi on Tuesday, October 6, before Argentina’s farewell match against Benin at the Monumental Stadium.

The university said the honour was its highest honorary degree and recognised Messi’s career, describing him as an example of “excellence, perseverance, humility and ethical practice” as well as a figure committed to representing Argentina.

According to the university, Messi will be recognised for leading the Argentine national team to major international titles, including the 2021 Copa América, 2022 Finalissima, 2022 FIFA World Cup and 2024 Copa América.

The university also noted Argentina’s runner-up finish at the 2026 World Cup.

The Rector of the University of Buenos Aires, Ricardo Gelpi, said the institution wanted to recognise Messi beyond his statistics and achievements on the football pitch.

“Beyond what all Argentinians know about Messi, regardless of the numbers and statistics that attest to his status as an athlete, we also want to recognise a humble, persevering person, an example and ambassador of our popular culture and national identity,” Gelpi said.

He added that the distinction was intended to highlight Messi’s influence through both sport and his wider representation of Argentina.

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UBA Vice-Rector Emiliano Yacobitti said the honour was also a recognition of the values Messi had represented while wearing the national team shirt.

“Leo Messi knew how to convey the values of the Argentine jersey and represent it with courage and respect, and thus managed to take it to the highest level of world football.

“But this Honorary Doctorate is a recognition that transcends his football career. It is a tribute and a thank you that we offer him from the UBA, on behalf of all of Argentine society,” Yacobitti said.

The university said honorary doctorates form part of a long international tradition among leading higher education institutions of recognising people whose achievements and influence extend beyond their professional fields.

The honour comes as Messi prepares for what is expected to be his final appearance for Argentina on October 6, when the World Cup winners face Benin in a farewell match.