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Saturday | October 03, 2026 | Dhaka

Messi to receive doctorate before Argentina farewell

 Agency
 Published: 12:52 AM, 03 October 2026  Updated: 11:01 PM, 02 October 2026

Lionel Messi is set to add an unusual honour to his remarkable career when the University of Buenos Aires (UBA) awards him an honorary doctorate before his expected Argentina farewell.

UBA has unanimously approved its highest honorary distinction, Doctor Honoris Causa, for the Argentina captain in recognition of his football achievements and wider influence in the country.

The ceremony will take place on October 6, ahead of Argentina’s farewell match against Benin at the Monumental Stadium.

The match is expected to be Messi’s final appearance for Argentina, bringing the curtain down on a 21-year international career.

UBA said the honour recognises more than Messi’s statistics and trophies. The university highlighted his perseverance, humility and commitment to representing Argentina.

The university pointed to his role in Argentina’s major international successes, including the 2021 Copa America, 2022 Finalissima, 2022 World Cup and 2024 Copa America.

Argentina also reached the 2026 World Cup final, where they lost to Spain after extra time.

UBA Rector Ricardo Gelpi said the institution wanted to recognise Messi beyond his achievements on the 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.

Vice-Rector Emiliano Yacobitti said Messi had embodied the values associated with the Argentina shirt and taken the national team to the highest level of international football.

The honorary doctorate will come on the same day as Argentina’s planned celebrations for Messi.

The Monumental farewell is expected to form the centrepiece of the tributes, with the captain receiving the university honour hours before taking the field.

UBA traditionally awards its honorary doctorate to people whose achievements and influence extend beyond their professional field.