Lionel Messi Receives Honorary Doctorate Ahead of Final International Match

Messi's Farewell Match and Honorary Recognition

Lionel Messi, the legendary Argentine footballer, was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Buenos Aires prior to his last international appearance against Benin on Tuesday. This match marks Messi's final outing in national colors after he announced his retirement from international football on September 1.

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) shared the news on their official X account, stating, "#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 just 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 at the age of 68 in Rosario.

A Remarkable Career

Messi holds the record as Argentina's most-capped player and top scorer, with an impressive tally of 203 appearances and 124 goals. He is also recognized as the leading goal-scorer in the history of South American football.

In 2022, after enduring several disappointments, including a loss to Germany in the 2014 FIFA World Cup final, Messi finally achieved World Cup success by defeating France, led by Kylian Mbappe, in the final. This victory marked Argentina's first World Cup title in 36 years and their third overall, as reported by ESPN. Additionally, Messi played a crucial role in ending Argentina's 28-year title drought by winning the Copa America in 2021 and successfully defending the title in the 2024 edition.

Retirement and World Cup Legacy

Messi had initially retired from international football in 2016 after a Copa America final loss to Chile but later returned to lead Argentina to World Cup glory six years later in Qatar.

Throughout his career, Messi 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.

In the recent World Cup, Messi scored eight goals and provided four assists, showcasing his exceptional talent, which included 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 position.

Current Club Engagement

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