Lionel Messi Awarded Highest Honorary Degree By UBA

The University of Buenos Aires has named Lionel Messi a Doctor Honoris Causa, its highest honorary distinction, after the university's Superior Council unanimously approved the resolution on September 30, 2026. The university says it will formally present the distinction on Tuesday, October 6, shortly before Messi's farewell match for Argentina against Benin at Estadio Monumental, the same match that will mark his final appearance for the national team.

An Honorary Title, Not An Academic Degree The University of Buenos Aires describes the Doctor Honoris Causa as its "maximo titulo honorifico," or maximum honorary title, the highest-ranking honorary distinction it awards. The university's own regulations are explicit that the title carries no academic weight: Article 3 of its statute on the distinction states that it "is not equivalent to any academic degree awarded by the University," and does not qualify a recipient to practice any profession. It is a mark of recognition, not a credential.

Why The University Is Honoring Him In its resolution, the university's Superior Council said Messi's career "constitutes an example of excellence, perseverance, humility and ethical conduct," alongside his commitment to representing Argentina, values the university said it has historically promoted. As Argentina's captain, Messi has led the national team to the 2021 Copa America, the country's first title in 28 years, the 2022 Finalissima, the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, the 2024 Copa America, and a runner-up finish at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Timing The university's choice to present the distinction on October 6, immediately before kickoff at the Monumental, ties the honor directly to the closing match of Messi's international career. Argentina face Benin that evening in what has been billed as his farewell appearance for the national team.