Lionel Messi will receive the doctorate honoris causa from the University of Buenos Aires (UBA), which will recognize his trajectory and his commitment to the representation of Argentina. The award will be handed over on October 6, hours before the captain plays his last match with the Argentine national team, the institution said in a statement.
“His trajectory constitutes an example of excellence, perseverance, humility and ethical exercise in the development of its activity, as well as commitment to the national representation of the Republic of Argentina, values that this university promotes,” UBA said when announcing the recognition.
The University’s Consultative Council, the body responsible for defining the award of honoris causa doctorates, also highlighted the footballer’s influence beyond the fields.
Doctor Honoris Causes Lionel Messi? “The UBA will deliver the highest distinction, Doctor Honoris Causa, to Lionel Messi considered the best football player in the world in recent decades, who led the team and brought the 2022 World Cup to our country? pic.twitter.com/UtLhm9JRtJ
“His contribution to sport, culture and national identity transcends the football field and makes it one of the most prominent and significant figures and trajectories in our national history, a fact that constitutes an exceptional merit,” the UBA Consultative Council said.
The institution also called Messi “the living Argentine figure with the greatest recognition in the world”, justifying the award that recognizes exceptional contributions in different fields.
The tribute will take place on a significant date for the forward, who is preparing to close his stage with the absolute national team of Argentina.
Lionel Messi will play his last match with the national team of Argentina on Tuesday, when the Albiceleste will face Benin at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires.
The match will be the third in a series of friendly matches that starts on Wednesday against Bolivia and continues on Saturday against Burkina Faso. The matches are part of the preparation of the team led by Lionel Scaloni.
The awarding of the doctorate honoris causa is scheduled for October 6, hours before the commitment to Benin, according to the university’s statement.
He announced his withdrawal from the Argentine national team on August 31 through a letter posted on his social media.
During his career with Albiceleste, Messi played 207 matches and scored 125 goals, figures that place him in the top historical position of both records among Argentine footballers.
The recognition of the UBA is added to the tribute that accompanies the closing of a stage in the international career of the Argentine captain, whose journey with the national team has also been linked to his influence in the sport and national identity.
