October 7, 2026
The University of Buenos Aires awarded Argentine star Lionel Messi an honorary doctorate on Tuesday, in recognition of his exceptional sports career, a few hours before he played his last international match for his country against his Beninese counterpart.
The 39-year-old American Inter Miami striker is preparing to bring down the curtain on an international career that has spanned more than two decades, following his official announcement on August 31 of last year of his retirement from international football.
After receiving the certificate, Messi expressed his pride in this honor, saying: “I thank you very much for this wonderful honor, because it appreciates everything I have done in the field of sports. Receiving this certificate is wonderful.”
The captain of the Argentine national team touched on his strong feelings on the eve of the farewell match, adding: “It is a special day for me. I know that I am living through very difficult moments. I will try to enjoy the moment. I am calm, but as the match date approaches, my feeling of tension increases.”
The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star concluded his speech by saying: “Starting the day in this way, with this honor, makes it very special, so I thank you and salute you very much.”
