The University of Buenos Aires has unanimously approved its highest honorary distinction for Argentina captain Lionel Messi ahead of his expected farewell match with the national team.
Lionel Messi is set to become “Dr. Messi” after the University of Buenos Aires (UBA) approved its highest honorary distinction for the Argentina captain.
The university’s Superior Council unanimously resolved on September 30 to confer the title of Doctor Honoris Causa on Messi in recognition of his sporting career, his representation of Argentina and the influence he has had beyond football.
The distinction is scheduled to be presented on October 6, 2026, shortly before Messi's expected farewell appearance for Argentina against Benin at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires.
UBA cites more than the 2022 World Cup
Although Messi's leadership of Argentina to the 2022 FIFA World Cup is among the achievements highlighted by the university, the doctorate is not being awarded solely because he won the World Cup.
UBA's official resolution points to Messi's broader career and his representation of Argentina.
The university highlighted Argentina's 2021 Copa América, 2022 Finalissima, 2022 World Cup and 2024 Copa América titles during Messi's international career. It also noted that he was part of Argentina's squad that finished as runners-up at the 2026 World Cup.
UBA said Messi's career represents excellence, perseverance, humility and ethical conduct, as well as a long-standing commitment to representing Argentina.
University rector Ricardo Gelpi said the institution wanted to recognize Messi not only for his sporting statistics but also for his influence as an ambassador of Argentine popular culture and national identity.
Vice-rector Emiliano Yacobitti similarly said the recognition extends beyond Messi's football career and represents a tribute from the university to the Argentine society.
What does Doctor Honoris Causa mean?
The Doctor Honoris Causa is an honorary academic distinction. It is not the same as completing a doctoral programme or earning a PhD through academic research.
Universities use the distinction to recognize people for exceptional achievements, influence or contributions in their respective fields.
In Messi's case, UBA's resolution specifically connects the honour to his sporting trajectory, his international representation of Argentina and the values the university says he has demonstrated.
The honour comes during Messi's farewell week
The timing of the award makes it particularly significant for Argentina supporters.
UBA plans to present the honour on October 6, the same day Argentina is scheduled to face Benin at the Monumental in what has been reported as Messi's farewell appearance for the national team.
The university described Messi as the captain who helped Argentina achieve a sequence of major international successes, including the World Cup triumph in Qatar in 2022.
The ceremony will therefore add an academic honour to a week already expected to mark an important moment in Messi's international career.
For Argentina, Messi's international legacy now includes four major senior titles highlighted by UBA: the 2021 Copa América, 2022 Finalissima, 2022 World Cup and 2024 Copa América.
UBA's decision makes Messi the latest football figure to receive a major academic honour for achievements and influence outside the conventional boundaries of university scholarship.
So, “Dr. Messi” is real — but the doctorate is an honorary distinction, not an academic PhD.
