Sports
Messi set to receive honorary doctorate from Argentine University
The honorary doctorate adds to the numerous recognitions Messi has received during a career that has seen him become one of the most decorated and celebrated footballers in the world.
Argentina captain Lionel Messi is set to receive an honorary doctorate from the University of Buenos Aires (UBA) in recognition of his outstanding football career and contribution to Argentina.
The university’s Higher Council unanimously approved the honorary degree, which is the institution’s highest honorary distinction.
Messi is expected to receive the award on Tuesday, October 6, ahead of Argentina’s farewell match against Benin at the Monumental Stadium.
UBA said the footballer’s career reflects “excellence, perseverance, humility and ethical practice.”
The university also praised Messi for his long-standing commitment to representing Argentina throughout his international career.
The honorary doctorate adds to the numerous recognitions Messi has received during a career that has seen him become one of the most decorated and celebrated footballers in the world.
The university cited his role in Argentina’s major international triumphs, including the 2021 Copa América, 2022 Finalissima, 2022 FIFA World Cup and 2024 Copa América. It also recognised Argentina’s run to the 2026 World Cup final.
UBA Rector Ricardo Gelpi said the institution wanted the recognition to go beyond Messi’s 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 honour was also intended to acknowledge Messi’s broader influence through sport and his representation of Argentina.
UBA Vice-Rector Emiliano Yacobitti said the distinction recognised the values Messi had displayed while representing the national team.
“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 are part of a long-standing tradition among leading institutions of higher education, allowing them to recognise individuals whose achievements and influence extend beyond their professional fields.
The honour comes as Messi prepares for his Argentina farewell against Benin on October 6 at the Monumental Stadium. The match is expected to mark his final appearance for the national team.
Follow Us on Google Discover
England end Spain’s 43-Game unbeaten run with thrilling 3-2 victory in Nations League
Tinubu approves recruitment of 28,000 Soldiers, 50,000 Police Officers
Massive crowd welcomes Atiku’s campaign motorcade in Yobe ahead of presidential rally
BREAKING: Thugs attack Kwankwaso’s campaign convoy in Kano
‘No Nigerian president has been embarrassed like Tinubu’ — Timi Frank
2027: ‘Peter Obi brought thugs to Edo, failed to settle them, somebody died’ – Okpebholo
Gunmen ambush travellers in Benue, abduct three passengers
JUST IN: Tinubu approves five-year security strategy to tackle insurgency, banditry
State Police Bill: 32 assemblies approve, Senate gives four states Tuesday deadline
”A Painful Loss”: Hon. Kasim Mohammed spends night with victims of Gwagwalada market fire
Bandits kill Governor Dauda Lawal’s aide during Zamfara attack
JUST IN: Emir of Kano Sanusi meets Ladoja in Ibadan, reaffirms Yoruba-Hausa ties
BBNaija star Sultana appointed Cross River Tourism Ambassador
INEC commences BVAS configuration ahead of 2027 polls
NDLEA arrests 56-year-old man over 25kg meth hidden in breakfast cereals at Lagos airport
Kwankwaso’s daughter seeks divorce from Kano Governor Abba Yusuf after 20 Years of marriage amid political rift
NAFDAC uncovers suspected illegal cosmetics factory at Lagos trade fair complex
Forgive me for stopping at the airport only during my last visit – Tinubu begs Plateau people at APC presidential rally
Tinubu Northern Youth Forum dumps President, adopts Atiku’s name ahead of 2027
2027: Massive crowd welcomes Atiku in Bauchi ahead of ADC Presidential campaign rally
Atiku, Makinde near deal to unite against Tinubu in 2027
Trump, Putin, Xi to meet for first-ever three-way summit in China
2027: Atiku has 13 northern states, Tinubu has only five in South-West, APM will take Oyo — Amaechi
BREAKING: Thugs attack Kwankwaso’s campaign convoy in Kano
”A Painful Loss”: Hon. Kasim Mohammed spends night with victims of Gwagwalada market fire
I will restore petroleum, electricity subsidies, just vote for me – Atiku vows in Bauchi
2027: ASUU bars officials from endorsing political parties, candidates
‘Fabricated and misleading’ – INEC debunks viral resignation rumor of Chairman Amupitan
JUST IN: Emir of Kano Sanusi meets Ladoja in Ibadan, reaffirms Yoruba-Hausa ties
