Lionel Messi Receives Honorary Doctorate Ahead of Final International Match

Lionel Messi, the iconic Argentine footballer, was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Buenos Aires just before his farewell international match against Benin. This event marks a significant moment in Messi's career as he steps away from international football after an illustrious journey. Known for his record-breaking achievements, including being Argentina's most-capped player and highest goal scorer, Messi's legacy continues to inspire. His final match on home soil is set to be an emotional farewell, reflecting on his contributions to the sport and his nation's pride. Discover more about Messi's remarkable career and his upcoming match.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 7, 2026, 00:53 IST

Messi's Honorary Doctorate Ceremony

Buenos Aires [Argentina], October 6: Renowned Argentine footballer Lionel Messi was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Buenos Aires just before his last international appearance against Benin on Tuesday.

Having declared his retirement from international football on September 1, Messi will don his national colors one last time at home against Benin.

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) shared on their official X account, “#SelecciónMayor Argentine captain Leo Messi received today the title 'Doctor Honoris Causa' from the University of Buenos Aires. Congratulations, legend!”

Messi's retirement announcement came over a month after Argentina's narrow defeat to Spain in the World Cup final and shortly after the passing of his father, Jorge Messi, who died on August 8 in Rosario at the age of 68.

As Argentina's most-capped player and top scorer, Messi boasts 203 appearances and 124 goals, making him the leading goal-scorer in South American football history.

In 2022, after enduring several disappointments, including the 2014 FIFA World Cup final loss to Germany, Messi finally achieved World Cup success, defeating a formidable France led by Kylian Mbappe. This victory marked Argentina's first World Cup title in 36 years and their third overall, according to ESPN.

Prior to this, Messi played a crucial role in ending Argentina's 28-year title drought by winning the Copa America in 2021 and successfully defending it in the 2024 edition following their World Cup triumph.

Although he had previously announced his retirement in 2016 after a Copa America final loss to Chile, Messi returned to lead Argentina to World Cup glory six years later in Qatar.

Throughout his career, Messi has participated in six FIFA World Cups from 2006 to 2026, scoring 21 goals in 34 matches, making him the second-highest goal-scorer in the tournament's history, just behind France's Mbappe, who holds the record with 22 goals.

During this year's World Cup, Messi netted eight goals and provided four assists, solidifying his status as one of the tournament's standout players, including achieving his first FIFA World Cup hat-trick against Algeria. He surpassed Germany's Miroslav Klose's record for the most World Cup goals before Mbappe reclaimed the top spot.

Despite his international retirement, Messi continues to play for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS).