Before his latest appearance, Messi was honored with an honorary doctorate.
The University of Buenos Aires awarded Argentine star Lionel Messi an honorary doctorate on Tuesday, recognizing his outstanding sports career, just hours before his final international match with his national team against Benin.
The captain of the Argentine national team spoke about his feelings before his farewell match, saying: "It’s a special day for me. I know I’m facing very difficult moments. I will do my best to enjoy the present moment. I feel calm, but as the match approaches, my nerves increase."
The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star added: "Starting the day this way, with this honor, makes it very special. So thank you, and I warmly greet you all."
The friendly match between Argentina and Benin is scheduled to kick off at 11 PM GMT on Tuesday.
Messi won the World Cup with Argentina in 2022 and the Copa América in 2021 and 2024. He also finished as a runner-up in the World Cup in 2014 and 2026, and in the Copa América in 2007, 2015, and 2016.
The 39-year-old forward for Inter Miami is preparing to end an international career that has lasted over two decades, having announced his retirement from international play on August 31.
After receiving the award, Messi said: "Thank you very much for this wonderful honor, which highlights everything I have done in the field of sports. Receiving this degree is something special."
The captain of the Argentine national team spoke about his feelings before his farewell match, saying: "It’s a special day for me. I know I’m facing very difficult moments. I will do my best to enjoy the present moment. I feel calm, but as the match approaches, my nerves increase."
The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star added: "Starting the day this way, with this honor, makes it very special. So thank you, and I warmly greet you all."
The friendly match between Argentina and Benin is scheduled to kick off at 11 PM GMT on Tuesday.
Messi won the World Cup with Argentina in 2022 and the Copa América in 2021 and 2024. He also finished as a runner-up in the World Cup in 2014 and 2026, and in the Copa América in 2007, 2015, and 2016.
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