October 17, 2026
Outside the green rectangles, Argentine star Lionel Messi received a unique honor; Researchers gave his name to a new type of plant that was recently discovered in the Andes Mountains in Peru.
A scientific team explained, in a study published in the journal “Phytotaxa” on October 2, that the new flower was named “Salvia Messi,” in honor of the captain of the Argentine national team and the 2022 World Cup champion.
The flower is characterized by its white and sky blue colors, which match the colors of the Argentine flag. The height of the plant reaches about one and a half metres, and it grows in high areas ranging between 2000 and 2400 meters above sea level.
Although this plant was observed for the first time in 2009, it was documented and scientifically classified as an independent species only after a series of studies and field trips that extended between 2023 and 2025.
The researchers classified “Salvia missi” as an endangered plant, attributing this to its limited distribution range, which is limited to only six sites in Peru, as well as the environmental threats it faces, represented by drought, fires, and road construction activities.
In an attempt to save this rare species from extinction, the scientific team proposed storing its goods and seeds in specialized banks to preserve it, thereby immortalizing Messi’s name in the natural world alongside his rich sporting legacy.
