Messi is everywhere! Scientists discover an incredible new species and name it after the football legend

Lionel Messi has conquered football, broken countless records and won almost every major trophy imaginable. But now the Argentine legend has achieved something that even his greatest rivals might never have expected. Scientists have officially named a newly discovered plant species after him, and the reason behind their decision makes the story even more extraordinary.

Details: A team of scientists from Peru and Argentina has officially described a previously unrecognised plant species called Salvia messii in honour of Lionel Messi. The discovery was published on October 2, 2026, in the scientific journal Phytotaxa. The plant grows in the Peruvian Andes and produces distinctive light blue and white flowers that resemble the colours of Argentina's national football team. Researchers Paúl Gonzáles, Rolando Uría and Jean Capcha-Ramos selected the name as a tribute to the eight time Ballon d'Or winner. The species has already been assessed as endangered because of its limited distribution and environmental threats.

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The extraordinary plant was discovered in the mountainous regions of central and southern Peru, where it grows on rocky slopes between 2,000 and 2,400 metres above sea level. Its flowers feature delicate blue and white shades, creating a remarkable resemblance to the famous Argentina shirt worn by Messi throughout his international career. The unusual colours helped inspire the researchers to dedicate the species to the football icon. The plant belongs to the mint family, which also includes familiar herbs such as rosemary, basil and other varieties of sage.

The discovery did not happen overnight. Botanical observations of the plant existed for several years, but scientists needed detailed research to determine whether it represented a previously undescribed species. Argentine researcher Rolando Uría noticed unusual characteristics in photographs and began investigating the plant's identity. Working with Peruvian specialists, the team compared specimens with existing botanical records and conducted fieldwork to collect additional material. Their research ultimately confirmed that the plant possessed distinctive characteristics and deserved its own scientific name.

Salvia messii is an aromatic shrub that can grow to approximately 1.5 metres in height. Its flowers contain white and pale blue sections, while parts of the surrounding floral structures can display pinkish or fuchsia tones. The species has been documented in six locations across the Peruvian departments of Lima and Ica. The scientific name uses a Latinised version of Messi's surname, turning the footballer's identity into a permanent part of botanical classification. Unlike a temporary tribute or commercial product, the scientific designation becomes part of the official record describing the natural world.

However, the discovery also comes with a concerning warning. Researchers have assessed the species as endangered because its known habitat is relatively small and vulnerable to environmental changes. Wildfires, the construction of roads and prolonged droughts could threaten the plant's survival. The scientists emphasised that the surrounding Andean ecosystem contains unique biodiversity that still requires further investigation. Naming the species after a globally recognised athlete may help attract attention to the importance of protecting these fragile mountain habitats.

The tribute is another remarkable example of Messi's influence extending far beyond football. His achievements with Barcelona, Paris Saint Germain, Inter Miami and the Argentina national team have made him one of the most recognisable athletes in history. Scientists have also previously honoured the Argentine by naming other organisms and prehistoric species after him. The latest discovery is especially symbolic because the plant's colours directly connect his sporting identity with the team he led to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022.

It's worth noting that the formal scientific description of Salvia messii was published in Phytotaxa, volume 777, on October 2, 2026. The species is endemic to Peru and is currently known from only six locations in the Andes. Lionel Messi, now 39, has won eight Ballons d'Or and the 2022 World Cup with Argentina. His name will now also remain associated with a distinctive blue and white flowering plant in scientific literature.

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