Buenos Aires has begun marking Lionel Messi’s final hours with Argentina in a manner that reaches beyond the stadium. At the Argentine Football Association’s training complex, the national-team captain was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Buenos Aires before his farewell match against Benin.
Ricardo Gelpi, the university’s rector, and vice-rector Emiliano Yacobitti presented Messi with the medal and diploma. The distinction added an academic tribute to a day already shaped by public recognition for the Rosario-born forward’s career with the Albiceleste.
Quick facts
- Lionel Messi received an honorary doctorate from the University of Buenos Aires.
- The ceremony took place at the Argentine Football Association complex.
- UBA rector Ricardo Gelpi and vice-rector Emiliano Yacobitti handed over the award.
- Messi is preparing for what will be his final Argentina match, against Benin.
- Adidas and Buenos Aires’ subway operator also arranged tributes ahead of the occasion.
Messi said he had never expected to receive an honour of this kind through football. He described it as a source of pride to be able to call himself an honorary doctor, while thanking the university for the recognition.
The 10 also spoke about the emotions surrounding his final appearance for Argentina. He said the day was especially significant and would be difficult, adding that he hoped to enjoy it despite feeling more nervous as kick-off approaches.
“I am calm, but as the match gets closer it becomes a little more complicated,” Messi said, noting that the university tribute had made the occasion even more meaningful.
The city’s farewell has extended into public life. Adidas released a video tracing defining moments from Messi’s Argentina journey, moving through different chapters of his international career and ending with a message of gratitude to supporters: “Thank you for loving me so much. I will miss you.”
Subterráneos de Buenos Aires, the capital’s subway operator, announced longer service hours to help supporters travel on the day of Messi’s last match in the Argentina shirt. Its own commemorative video revisited national-team jerseys and trophies associated with his time for the country.
For Messi, the doctorate offered a quieter stop amid the larger farewell. Before the final whistle of his Argentina career, Buenos Aires has placed one more honour alongside the medals, shirts and memories that have followed him through the national side.
