The University of Buenos Aires (UBA) has approved an honorary doctorate for Argentina captain Lionel Messi in recognition of his football career, achievements with the national team and wider influence on Argentine society.
The university’s Superior Council unanimously approved the Doctor Honoris Causa for Messi, describing his career as an example of excellence, perseverance, humility and ethical conduct.
The honour is scheduled to be presented to Messi on October 6, shortly before Argentina’s farewell match against Benin at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires.
UBA said the recognition goes beyond Messi’s statistics and achievements on the football pitch, highlighting his role as a representative of Argentine culture and national identity.
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The university noted that, as captain of Argentina, Messi played a leading role in the country’s international successes, including the 2021 Copa América, 2022 Finalissima, 2022 FIFA World Cup and 2024 Copa América.
UBA also cited Argentina’s runners-up finish at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where Messi was part of the squad.
UBA Rector, Ricardo Gelpi, said the institution wanted to recognise Messi not only for his sporting accomplishments but also for the personal qualities he has demonstrated throughout his career.
“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 recognised Messi’s broader influence through sport and his representation of Argentina.
UBA Vice-Rector, Emiliano Yacobitti, also praised Messi for the manner in which he represented 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,” Yacobitti said.
Yacobitti added that the doctorate was intended as a recognition that extended beyond Messi’s football career.
“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,” he said.
The University of Buenos Aires described the Doctor Honoris Causa as its highest honorary distinction and said the recognition reflects a long-standing tradition among leading universities of honouring individuals whose achievements and influence extend beyond their professional fields.
The award will come as Argentina prepares to honour Messi during his farewell appearance for the national team against Benin at the Monumental Stadium on October 6.
