Lionel Messi’s legacy has now extended beyond the football ground, with scientists naming a newly identified plant species after the former Argentina captain. The plant, called Salvia Messii, is a native of the Central and Southern Peruvian Andes and has been classified as endangered due to its restricted distribution.
The discovery was documented by researchers Paul Gonzales, Ronaldo Uria and Jean Capcha-Ramos in a study published in the scientific journal Phytotaxa on October 2, 2026. The species belongs to the Lamiaceae family, which also includes mint, basil, and rosemary.
Why was the plant named after Lionel Messi?
The plant’s flowers feature pale blue and white shades, resembling Argentina’s national football colours. This resemblance helped inspire the decision to name the species after Messi, who captained Argentina to the 2022 FIFA World Cup title in Qatar.
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As per researchers, Salvia Messii is endemic to the Peruvian Andes, which means that it naturally occurs in that region and nowhere else. It grows in shrubland surrounding the remnants of western Andean forests, an environment that researchers say deserves greater attention for its plant diversity.
The naming offers an unusual tribute to Messi, who hung his boots from international football recently. The Argentine great has earned global recognition through his performances for multiple clubs from Barcelona to Inter Miami as well as his national team. Now, his name will also feature in botanical records through a plant species found in the Peruvian Andes.
