The University of Buenos Aires has announced that it will award Argentina captain Lionel Messi an honorary doctorate for his professional career and contribution to the country. This decision was made by the university's Higher Council unanimously. The honorary degree is scheduled to be presented to Messi on Tuesday, October 6. This date coincides with Argentina's farewell match against Benin at the Monumental Stadium.
The University of Buenos Aires stated that the honorary doctorate is its highest honorary degree. It recognizes Messi's career as an example of excellence, perseverance, humility, and ethical practice. Messi is also seen as a figure committed to representing Argentina. His achievements with the Argentine national team include leading them to major international titles such as the 2021 Copa América, 2022 Finalissima, 2022 FIFA World Cup, and 2024 Copa América.
Messi will also be recognized for Argentina's runner-up finish at the 2026 World Cup. The university's Rector, Ricardo Gelpi, emphasized that the institution wants to recognize Messi beyond his statistics and achievements on the football pitch. Gelpi described Messi as a humble, persevering person and an example and ambassador of Argentine popular culture and national identity.
The Rector added that the distinction aims to highlight Messi's influence through both sport and his wider representation of Argentina. UBA Vice-Rector Emiliano Yacobitti noted that the honour also recognizes the values Messi has represented while wearing the national team shirt. According to Yacobitti, Messi conveyed the values of the Argentine jersey and represented it with courage and respect.
Yacobitti further stated that the Honorary Doctorate is a recognition that transcends Messi's football career. It is a tribute and a thank you from the UBA on behalf of all of Argentine society. The university noted that honorary doctorates are part of a long international tradition among leading higher education institutions. This tradition involves recognizing people whose achievements and influence extend beyond their professional fields.
The honorary doctorate comes as Messi prepares for what is expected to be his final appearance for Argentina on October 6. During this match, the World Cup winners will face Benin in a farewell match. The University of Buenos Aires' decision to award Messi the honorary doctorate highlights his impact on and off the football field.
The award ceremony for Messi's honorary doctorate will take place before his farewell match, emphasizing the significance of this event for both Messi and Argentine society. The University of Buenos Aires' recognition of Messi underscores his legacy as a footballer and a representative of Argentina.
Key points
- The University of Buenos Aires will award Lionel Messi an honorary doctorate on October 6.
- The honorary doctorate recognizes Messi's contributions to Argentina and his achievements in football.
- Messi's honorary doctorate is part of a tradition among leading higher education institutions to recognize influential individuals.
