Messi to receive honorary doctorate from University of Buenos Aires

The University of Buenos Aires (UBA) says it will award football superstar Lionel Messi its highest honorary distinction in recognition of his sporting career and his representation of the country.

The honour will be presented to the Albiceleste skipper on Tuesday, October 6, ahead of Messi’s farewell match for the national team at the Monumental, the university announced on Wednesday.

UBA’s Superior Council unanimously approved the distinction, highlighting the footballer’s career as “an example of excellence, perseverance, humility and ethical conduct."

The forward has led Argentina to the 2021 Copa América, the 2022 Finalissima, the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and the 2024 Copa América titles, as well as World Cup runners-up finishes in 2014 and 2026.

Messi is an “example and ambassador of our popular culture and our national identity,” UBA Chancellor Ricardo Gelpi said in a statement.

The 39-year-old will bring more than two decades with the Albiceleste to a close in the friendly against Benin. He is Argentina’s all-time top scorer with 125 goals, its leading assist provider with 68, and its most-capped player with 207 appearances.