Argentine football star Lionel Messi was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Buenos Aires (UBA), Argentina’s most prestigious national university, on Tuesday, October 6, 2026. The prestigious ‘Doctor Honoris Causa’ title was presented to Messi at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires, ahead of his farewell match from international football.
The Argentina Football Association (AFA), the governing body of football in Argentina, announced the honour via social media platform X on Tuesday, October 6, 2026. The university’s Superior Council had unanimously approved the decision to grant the honour on Wednesday, September 30, 2026.
Messi, 39, had announced his retirement from international football on August 31, 2026, though some sources indicated the announcement was made on September 1. His final international match was played on October 6, 2026, against Benin in Buenos Aires, where he scored one goal and provided two assists.
The University of Buenos Aires decided to bestow the honorary doctorate in recognition of Messi’s sporting achievements, his role as an ambassador for national identity, and his embodiment of excellence, perseverance, humility, and ethical conduct. Ricardo Gelpi, the Rector of UBA, described Messi as “a symbol of humility and perseverance and an exemplary ambassador representing Argentina’s popular culture and national identity.”
Messi’s decision to retire came after Argentina’s 1-0 defeat to Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final on July 19, 2026. He had indicated his intention to retire earlier in August following the passing of his father, Jorge. Messi conveyed to the Argentine national team that he had nothing left to give and that a new generation of excellent young players was emerging.
This is not Messi’s first retirement from international football; he had previously announced his retirement in 2016 but later reversed the decision to return to the national squad.
Future in Club Football
While his international career concluded on October 6, 2026, Messi will continue his club football career with American Major League Soccer (MLS) club Inter Miami. He is currently under contract with Inter Miami until the 2028 season.
