Argentine football star Lionel Messi will receive an honorary doctorate from the University of Buenos Aires (UBA) in recognition of his sporting achievements and his role as an ambassador of national identity.

According to an announcement on Wednesday (30 September), UBA will confer the honour on Messi on 6 October, ahead of his farewell match for Argentina at the Monumental Stadium.

UBA’s Superior Council unanimously approved the distinction, citing Messi’s career as an example of “excellence, perseverance, humility and ethical conduct”.

UBA Chancellor Ricardo Gelpi said Messi is an “example and ambassador of our popular culture and our national identity”.

Messi has led Argentina to several major international titles, including the 2021 Copa América, the 2022 Finalissima, the 2022 Fifa World Cup in Qatar and the 2024 Copa América.

He also guided Argentina to the World Cup final in 2014 and 2026. The forward is Argentina’s all-time leading scorer with 125 goals and its top assist provider with 68 assists.

He also holds the record for most appearances for the national team with 207 caps.

Messi is set to bring his more than two-decade international career to a close with a friendly against Benin.