Argentine University honors Lionel Messi with honorary doctorate

Argentina captain Lionel Messi has received an honorary doctorate from the University of Buenos Aires (UBA), adding a rare academic honour to his remarkable football career.

The university presented Messi with its highest honorary distinction, Doctor Honoris Causa, on Tuesday, October 6, in recognition of his outstanding achievements in football and his broader impact on Argentine society.

The honour was conferred on the football superstar ahead of Argentina’s expected farewell match against Benin at the Monumental Stadium.

The ceremony took place only a few hours before the match, which is expected to mark Messi’s final appearance for the Argentina national team.

The honorary doctorate adds another major recognition to Messi’s long list of achievements both on and off the football pitch.

UBA unanimously approved the honour, saying it was intended to recognise Messi beyond his statistics and trophies, particularly his perseverance, humility and commitment to representing Argentina.

The university highlighted Messi’s role in Argentina’s major international successes, including the 2021 Copa America, 2022 Finalissima, 2022 FIFA World Cup and 2024 Copa America.

UBA Rector Ricardo Gelpi said the institution sought to recognise Messi not only as an athlete but also as a person and a symbol of Argentine culture and national identity.

“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 also praised Messi for embodying the values associated with the Argentina shirt and leading the national team to the highest level of international football.

The Doctor Honoris Causa is traditionally awarded by UBA to individuals whose achievements and influence extend beyond their professional field.

Messi’s latest honour therefore recognises both his extraordinary football career and his broader cultural and social influence in Argentina.

The doctorate comes as Argentina prepares to honour its captain ahead of his expected final appearance in the national colours.

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