Argentina’s most prestigious public university has decided that one of its highest academic distinctions belongs to a footballer. The University of Buenos Aires, known locally as UBA, will hand Lionel Messi the title of Doctor Honoris Causa on Tuesday, October 6, in a short ceremony scheduled hours before his final cap for the national team.

The decision was taken unanimously by UBA’s Superior Council, the governing body made up of the rector, the deans of the thirteen faculties and representatives of academics, graduates and students.

Rector Ricardo Gelpi framed the award as a tribute to character as much as to trophies.

“We also want to recognize a humble, persevering person, an example and ambassador of our popular culture and of our national identity,” Gelpi said.

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The council’s resolution lists the titles that moved him from footballer to national figure: the 2021 Copa América, the 2022 Finalissima, the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the 2024 Copa América and Argentina’s runner-up finish at the 2026 World Cup. With that run, the resolution notes, Messi captained the first Argentine senior squad to win four consecutive titles.

The farewell match at the Monumental

Messi announced his international retirement on August 31, 2026, weeks after Argentina lost the 2026 World Cup final 1-0 to Spain after extra time. The Argentine Football Association built a sendoff around him: a friendly against Benin at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires on October 6, with Messi called up for this fixture only.

Demand for seats was immediate. Tickets went on sale on September 22 at between 90,000 and 480,000 Argentine pesos, roughly $59 to $317, and the ticketing platform crashed under demand before Argentine media reported a full sell-out within two hours.

125 goals, with only Ronaldo above him

Messi arrives at the ceremony with 125 international goals in 207 appearances for Argentina. Only Cristiano Ronaldo, on 146 goals in 234 matches, has scored more at senior international level in men’s football.

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The academic distinction also lands in the same stretch of weeks in which Messi was named the 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports winner, becoming the first individual footballer to receive the Spanish honour.

Argentina play Benin at the Estadio Monumental on October 6.

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