Lionel Messi
UBA is recognising a humble, persevering personality in Messi.
Lionel Messi is set to receive an honorary doctorate from the University of Buenos Aires (UBA) in recognition of his illustrious football career and contribution to Argentina.
The university’s Higher Council unanimously approved the award, its highest honorary distinction, with the ceremony scheduled for Tuesday, October 6, ahead of Argentina’s farewell match against Benin at the Monumental Stadium.
UBA said the honour recognises Messi’s “excellence, perseverance, humility and ethical practice”, as well as his commitment to representing Argentina on the international stage.
The university also highlighted 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 the national team’s run to the 2026 World Cup final.
UBA Rector Ricardo Gelpi said the recognition was not solely about Messi’s records and 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.
He said the university also wanted to recognise Messi’s wider influence through sport and his role in representing Argentina.
UBA Vice-Rector Emiliano Yacobitti said the honorary doctorate reflected the values Messi had demonstrated 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 are part of a long-standing tradition among leading higher education institutions, allowing them to honour individuals whose achievements and influence extend beyond their professional fields.
The award comes as Messi gets ready for what is expected to be his final appearance for Argentina when the world champions face Benin on October 6 at the Monumental Stadium.
