{
  "id": 11085895,
  "title": "Why Lionel Messi will now be called Dr Messi",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/01/why-lionel-messi-will-now-be-called-dr-messi",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-01T02:03:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Gulf News",
    "slug": "gulf-news",
    "url": "https://gulfnews.com/sport/football/why-lionel-messi-will-now-be-called-dr-messi-1.500694210"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Lionel Messi, the Argentine football icon, has achieved unparalleled success in his illustrious career. Now, the University of Buenos Aires has bestowed upon him the esteemed title of Doctor Honoris Causa, further cementing his legacy. This prestigious recognition, given unanimously by the university's Superior Council, acknowledges Messi's excellence, perseverance, humility, and unwavering commitment to representing Argentina. Messi, now 39 years old, will formally receive the honorary doctorate on October 6, adding to the profound emotional significance of his final match for the national team. That day will also mark his farewell appearance for Argentina, as the squad faces Benin in an emotionally charged special match, effectively concluding Messi's international career after over two decades. The Argentina Football Association president, Claudio Tapia, emphasized the match's purpose—to provide Messi with the farewell he truly deserves. Messi's anticipated 208th and final appearance for Argentina culminates a career adorned with numerous accolades, including the 2022 World Cup, Copa America victories in 2021 and 2024, and the unforgettable Finalissima. Beyond the statistics and trophies, the university highlighted Messi's role as an ambassador of Argentina's popular culture and national identity, underscoring his humility and perseverance. With this honorary doctorate, Messi adds yet another title to his extraordinary list before he takes the field for the last time, wearing Argentina's iconic No. 10 jersey.",
  "summary": "Lionel Messi has won everything there is to win in football. Now he can add another title to his name: Doctor. No, not the medical kind. Although, for many football fans, watching Messi play has been a form of medicine over the years. But this one is different. The University of Buenos Aires has named the Argentina legend a Doctor Honoris Causa, the highest honorary distinction awarded by the…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Daily Post Nigeria",
        "title": "Messi closes in on record for most free-kick goals in history [Top 5]",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/28/messi-closes-in-on-record-for-most-free-kick-goals-in-history-top-5",
        "published": "2026-09-28T12:52:54.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Lionel Messi free-kick goal vs. Columbus: Video from every angle of ridiculous strike by Inter Miami star",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/28/lionel-messi-free-kick-goal-vs-columbus-video-from-every-angle-of",
        "published": "2026-09-28T14:51:40.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Gulf News",
        "title": "Paulo Dybala not allowed to attend Lionel Messi's retirement match",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/30/paulo-dybala-not-allowed-to-attend-lionel-messis-retirement-match",
        "published": "2026-09-30T01:30:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}