Argentina captain Lionel Messi is set to add another unique distinction to his remarkable career after the University of Buenos Aires (UBA) unanimously approved an honorary doctorate in his honour.

 Messi will receive the university’s highest honorary distinction, Doctor Honoris Causa, in recognition of his outstanding achievements in football and his wider cultural influence in Argentina.

 The award ceremony is scheduled for October 6, just hours before Argentina’s expected farewell match for Messi against Benin at the Monumental Stadium.

 The fixture is anticipated to be Messi’s final appearance for the national team as he approaches the end of his 21-year international career.

 UBA said the honour recognises more than Messi’s statistics and collection of trophies, pointing to qualities such as perseverance, humility and his commitment to representing Argentina.

 The university also highlighted his role in Argentina’s major international triumphs, including the **2021 Copa América, 2022 Finalissima, 2022 FIFA World Cup and 2024 Copa América.

 UBA Rector Ricardo Gelpi said the institution wanted to recognise Messi not only as an athlete but also as an individual who has had a significant impact on Argentine society.

“Beyond what all Argentinians know about Messi, regardless of the numbers and statistics that attest to his status as an athlete, we also want to recognise a humble, persevering person, an example and ambassador of our popular culture and national identity,” Gelpi said.

 Vice-Rector Emiliano Yacobitti also praised Messi for embodying the values associated with the Argentina national team and for helping lead the country to the highest level of international football.

 The Doctor Honoris Causa is traditionally awarded by UBA to individuals whose achievements and influence extend beyond their professional field. Messi’s honour therefore recognises both his extraordinary football career and his broader cultural and social impact in Argentina.

 The ceremony will form part of a series of tributes planned for Messi as Argentina prepares to honour its captain ahead of his expected final appearance in the national colours.