Messi awarded Doctor Honoris Causa by University of Buenos Aires ahead of Argentina farewell

Lionel Messi received an honorary doctorate from the University of Buenos Aires ahead of his international farewell for Argentina against Benin at the Estadio Mas Monumental on Tuesday, October 6. The appearance was reported as his 208th for La Albiceleste.

The University of Buenos Aires conferred the title “Doctor Honoris Causa” in recognition of Messi’s career and achievements, including leading the South American giants to the FIFA World Cup 2022 title in Qatar. The award was described as the highest honorary title from the university. #SelecciónMayor El capitán argentino Leo Messi recibió hoy el título “Doctor Honoris Causa” de la Universidad de Buenos Aires. ¡Felicitaciones, leyenda! 🩵🤍🩵 pic.twitter.com/6CursdqtNC

Messi has scored 125 goals in 207 appearances for Argentina, making him his nation’s all-time leading goalscorer. The article also states he is the highest goalscorer in South American football history. Ahead of the Benin match, reports noted the farewell would mark what was described as his 208th cap.

For the farewell fixture, Adidas produced a specially made jersey for Messi featuring GOAT symbolism and golden lettering. The piece of kit was created specifically to mark the occasion of his final international appearance. The report adds that Messi will aim to finish his Argentina career with a goal.

The article says Messi recently took Argentina to the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, where they lost 1-0 to Spain. It also records that he lost his father, Jorge, a few weeks later. Those events were cited as contributing to his decision to call time on his international career.

Messi’s international farewell match is against Benin at the Estadio Mas Monumental on Tuesday, October 6; in India the match is scheduled to kick off at 4:30 AM IST on October 7.