Lionel Messi received one of the most unusual honours of his career just hours before his Argentina farewell, becoming an honorary doctor of the University of Buenos Aires.
Messi becomes ‘Doctor’ just hours before his final Argentina match
Lionel Messi received a very different kind of honour just hours before playing his final match for Argentina, as the University of Buenos Aires awarded him an honorary doctorate.
Messi was presented with the Doctor Honoris Causa title on the same day he prepared to say goodbye to the Argentina national team against Benin at the Monumental.
The award was one of the highest academic honours given by the University of Buenos Aires.
It meant that before stepping onto the pitch for his final international appearance, Messi had officially become an honorary “Doctor.”
Messi receives special award before farewell
The ceremony took place at the Argentine Football Association’s training centre in Ezeiza.
Messi received a medal and official certificate during the event.
University of Buenos Aires rector Ricardo Gelpi and vice-rector Emiliano Yacobitti were among those involved in presenting the award.
The university’s senior council had previously approved the decision unanimously.
Messi surprised by the honour
Messi has collected almost every major trophy available in football.
But this award was completely different.
The Argentina legend admitted that he had never imagined receiving such an honour.
He said he was proud to be recognised in a way that had nothing to do with goals, assists or trophies.
Messi also joked about being able to call himself an honorary doctor.
Why the university honoured Messi
The University of Buenos Aires made clear that the decision was not based only on Messi’s football success.
The institution highlighted his excellence, perseverance, humility and conduct throughout his career.
It also praised the way Messi represented Argentina around the world.
The university described him as an important figure in Argentine culture and national identity, with an influence that goes far beyond football.
More than just football trophies
Messi’s achievements with Argentina were still an important part of the decision.
After many difficult years with the national team, he finally helped Argentina begin one of the greatest periods in their history.
Messi won the Copa América, Finalissima and World Cup while becoming the country’s all-time leading scorer.
Those achievements transformed his international story and made him one of the biggest national symbols in Argentina.
A special honour on an emotional day
The timing made the award even more meaningful.
Messi received the doctorate on the same day he was preparing for the final Argentina match of his career.
He admitted that the emotions were already building before kick-off.
Messi said starting such an important day with the university honour made the occasion even more special.
From ‘Doctor Messi’ to the Monumental
Only a few hours after the ceremony, Messi travelled to the Monumental for his final appearance in the famous blue and white shirt.
More than 80,000 supporters filled the stadium to say goodbye.
The match was stopped in the 10th minute so fans could stand and applaud Argentina’s legendary No.10.
It was another emotional moment during a day full of tributes.
Messi ends career with another great performance
Despite everything happening around him, Messi still delivered on the pitch.
Argentina defeated Benin 3-0.
Messi directly contributed to all three goals.
He provided two assists before scoring from the penalty spot himself.
It was a fitting final performance from a player who had spent more than 20 years representing Argentina.
A new title for Messi
Messi has been called many things during his career.
World champion.
Ballon d’Or winner.
Argentina captain.
Football legend.
And on the day he said goodbye to the national team, another title was added to the list: Doctor Lionel Messi.
An honour beyond football
The honorary doctorate showed how Messi’s influence has grown far beyond the sport itself.
His career has become closely connected with Argentina’s modern history and culture.
For the University of Buenos Aires, the award was a way of recognising not only what Messi achieved on the pitch, but also what he came to represent for millions of Argentinians.
Hours later, he stepped onto the Monumental pitch one final time and brought one of football’s greatest international careers to an end.
