Lionel Messi receives UBA honorary doctorate before final national team match

Lionel Messi received a medal and diploma certifying him as an honorary doctorate of the University of Buenos Aires (UBA) public university on Tuesday during a ceremony held at the Argentine Football Association (AFA) training complex in Ezeiza.

Messi received the highest honor from UBA chancellor and vice-rector, Ricardo Gelpi and Emiliano Yacobitta, a few hours before his farewell match for the Argentine national team. 

The Inter Miami player expressed his gratitude for the recognition on a day he described as especially emotional.

“Being able to receive such recognition is an honor for me, especially being able to say that I am an honorary doctor,” he said, adding that it was a “very special” day.

“I am calm, but as the moment of the match approaches, it gets a little more complicated, so starting it this way, with this recognition, makes it much more special. Thank you very much; it really is a great source of pride,” the captain said.

Why the UBA honored Messi The resolution to grant him the honorary doctorate had been approved unanimously last week by the university’s superior council.

Among the arguments for the decision, the institution highlighted that “his career constitutes an example of excellence, perseverance, humility, and ethical practice in the development of his activity, as well as a commitment to the national representation of the Argentine Republic, values that this university has historically promoted.”

During the ceremony, Gelpi emphasized not only the Argentine captain’s sporting achievements but also his social activity and the bond he has maintained with his origins.

“Beyond his incredible achievements, Lionel never forgot his origins, his family, his roots. Probably for that reason, in 2007 he created the Leo Messi Foundation, devoted to promoting access to health, education, and sports for children and adolescents in vulnerable situations, and since 2010 he has been a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). These values, which go beyond the athlete, are what Lionel turned into a way of carrying out his own career,” he said.

The chancellor also highlighted the cultural dimension Messi has acquired throughout his career.

“Through football, an expression of popular culture and our national and social identity, Messi managed to transcend the sporting sphere and project our country onto the international stage, becoming one of the most prominent and significant figures and careers in our national history, an exceptional merit that this university wishes to recognize.”

Cover image: Lionel Messi with his honorary doctorate. (Credit: UBA online account on X).