From World Champion to ‘Doctor’: Messi Receives UBA’s Highest Honor

Kathmandu, October 7, 2026

Messi Receives UBA’s Highest Honor

Former Argentina captain Lionel Messi received a Doctor Honoris Causa from the University of Buenos Aires on October 6, 2026, at the Argentine Football Association’s training complex in Ezeiza, Argentina, in recognition of his outstanding career and the values he represented throughout his journey with the national team. UBA described the award as its highest honorary distinction and highlighted Messi’s excellence, perseverance, humility, ethical conduct and commitment to representing Argentina.

UBA Recognises More Than Football Success

The University of Buenos Aires had unanimously approved the distinction through its Superior Council. UBA Rector Ricardo Gelpi and Vice-Rector Emiliano Yacobitti presented Messi with the honorary medal and diploma during the ceremony.

For the university, Messi’s recognition was about more than goals and trophies. His long career was presented as an example of determination, professionalism and commitment to his country.

The Argentina Journey Begins

Messi’s story with Argentina began in the youth system. One of his first major international achievements came at the 2005 FIFA U-20 World Cup, where Argentina became world champions and Messi won both the Golden Ball and Golden Boot.

Later that year, he made his debut for Argentina’s senior national team. What followed was a journey lasting more than two decades and covering different generations of players, coaches and international tournaments.

Olympic Glory Comes Early

Another important success arrived at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where Messi helped Argentina win the men’s football gold medal.

But success with the senior national team proved far more difficult. Despite becoming one of the world's biggest football stars at club level, Messi spent years trying to win a major senior trophy with his country.

Years of Heartbreak With Argentina

Messi experienced several painful defeats while chasing international success.

Argentina reached the 2014 FIFA World Cup final, but lost to Germany. More disappointment followed in Copa América finals, adding to the pressure surrounding Messi and his national-team career.

After Argentina lost another Copa América final in 2016, Messi briefly announced that his time with the national team was over. He later returned and continued pursuing the major international trophy that had remained out of reach.

Copa América Changes the Story

The breakthrough finally arrived in 2021.

Argentina defeated Brazil 1-0 at the Maracanã in Rio de Janeiro to win the Copa América. Ángel Di María scored the winning goal as Messi finally lifted his first major senior international trophy.

The victory also ended Argentina’s 28-year wait for a major senior title and marked a major turning point in Messi’s international career.

Another Trophy at Wembley

Success continued in June 2022, when Argentina faced European champions Italy in the Finalissima at Wembley Stadium.

Argentina won 3-0, giving Messi another international trophy and sending the team toward the 2022 World Cup as Copa América and Finalissima champions.

The World Cup Dream Comes True

Messi’s biggest international achievement came at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Argentina suffered a shock defeat to Saudi Arabia in its opening match, but recovered to reach the final. Messi played a central role throughout the tournament and scored important goals during Argentina’s run.

In the final against France, Messi scored twice as the match finished 3-3 after extra time. Argentina then won the penalty shootout 4-2, giving the country its third World Cup title.

Messi finally lifted the trophy he had spent much of his career chasing.

He finished the tournament with seven goals and three assists and received the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player.

Argentina Wins Again in 2024

The success did not stop in Qatar.

Argentina won the 2024 Copa América, defeating Colombia in the final and giving Messi his second Copa América title.

Messi was forced to leave the final because of injury, but Argentina went on to secure another major trophy and continue one of the most successful periods in the national team’s history.

A Record-Breaking International Career

Messi finished his Argentina journey as both the country’s most-capped senior player and its all-time leading goalscorer.

According to the Argentine Football Association, he recorded:

• 207 senior appearances

• 125 goals

• 66 assists

His major senior international titles included:

• Copa América — 2021

• Finalissima — 2022

• FIFA World Cup — 2022

• Copa América — 2024

He had also earlier won the 2005 FIFA U-20 World Cup and the 2008 Olympic gold medal with Argentina.

From Pressure to National Icon

Messi’s Argentina career was not simply a story of constant success.

It included years of criticism, painful final defeats and questions over whether he would ever win a major senior trophy with his country. But his decision to keep returning eventually produced an extraordinary period in which Argentina won four major senior international titles between 2021 and 2024.

His journey went from international heartbreak to lifting the World Cup as Argentina captain.

Why UBA Honoured Messi

UBA said Messi’s career represents values that extend beyond football, including excellence, perseverance, humility, ethical conduct and commitment to representing Argentina.

The honorary doctorate therefore adds a different kind of recognition to his long list of sporting achievements.

After more than two decades representing Argentina, Messi’s journey is remembered not only through his records and trophies, but also through the years of setbacks he overcame before reaching the biggest achievements of his international career.