Messi Gets Honorary Doctorate Before Emotional Argentina Farewell

(Lionel Messi. Photo by Gulf News)

Lionel Messi has won everything in football, and now he can add the title Doctor to his name.

Not the medical kind, though many fans would say watching him play has been a form of medicine.

The University of Buenos Aires has named the Argentina legend a Doctor Honoris Causa, its highest honorary award.

The university's Superior Council approved it unanimously, praising his excellence, perseverance, humility and commitment to representing Argentina.

The 39-year-old will receive the honour on October 6.

Just hours later, he will walk out at the Monumental for his final game for Argentina.

The team will face Benin in a special farewell match that ends his international career after more than two decades.

Argentina Football Association president Claudio Tapia said the game was arranged to give Messi the farewell he truly deserves.

Messi is expected to make his 208th and final appearance for his country.

His time with Argentina includes the 2022 World Cup, Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024 and the 2022 Finalissima.

The university said this recognition goes beyond numbers and trophies.

Its head, Ricardo Gelpi, called Messi an example and ambassador of Argentina's popular culture and national identity, and praised his humility and perseverance.

So before Messi pulls on the famous No. 10 shirt for the last time, there will be one more title added to his collection.