Lionel Messi has received an unusual honour beyond the world of football, with scientists naming a newly discovered plant species after the Argentine superstar.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, who currently captains Inter Miami, has been immortalised through the discovery of Salvia messii, a plant found in the high-altitude regions of the Andes in central and southern Peru.
According to a report by The Athletic, researchers selected the name in recognition of Messi’s global influence and remarkable achievements in football.
The plant produces light blue and white flowers, colours closely associated with Argentina’s national team jersey, adding a symbolic connection to the country the forward has represented throughout his international career.
The name Salvia messii follows established botanical naming conventions, with the additional letter ‘i’ used to indicate that the species is named in honour of the football icon.
Messi’s influence extends beyond football
The scientific recognition offers another example of Messi’s impact beyond the pitch, where his achievements have earned him worldwide admiration.
The newly identified plant belongs to the Lamiaceae family, commonly known as the mint family.
Members of this group have attracted scientific interest because of their potential medicinal properties, including compounds studied for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
The discovery adds a distinctive chapter to Messi’s legacy as he continues his career with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.
However, the honour comes with a conservation concern, as Salvia messii has already been classified as an endangered species.
Plant thrives in harsh Andean conditions
Salvia messii is adapted to challenging environmental conditions, growing on rocky, dry slopes at elevations between 2,000 and 2,400 metres above sea level.
The plant can reach heights of up to 1.5 metres and is found exclusively in its natural habitat in Peru.
Its ability to survive in rugged terrain and at high altitudes has drawn comparisons with Messi’s longevity and consistency at the highest level of professional football.
Throughout his career, the Argentine has overcome physical challenges while maintaining an exceptional standard of performance over more than two decades.
Messi follows other football figures honoured by scientists
Messi is not the first football personality to have a newly identified species named after him.
Earlier this year, Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha received a similar distinction when a newly discovered marine mollusc was named in his honour.
Former Real Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas also received a scientific tribute in 2019 when Professor Jesus Ortea of the University of Oviedo named a marine snail species after him.
These examples highlight how footballers’ influence can extend into scientific research, with their names becoming associated with discoveries far removed from the sporting arena.
For Messi, the naming of Salvia messii provides another form of recognition for a career that has made him one of the most celebrated figures in the history of football.
