Peruvian Andes Plant Named Salvia messii in Honour of Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi has received an unusual new honour away from football: a plant found in Peru’s Andes has been formally named Salvia messii.
The species, named after the Inter Miami captain, grows in central and southern Peru and carries pale blue and white blooms, colours associated with Argentina’s national side. Its scientific name was created by adding the Latin naming suffix “i” to Messi’s surname, meaning “Messi’s Salvia”.
Who is affected
The discovery concerns a rare member of the Lamiaceae, or mint, family. Salvia messii is already classed as endangered, despite being adapted to severe conditions on exposed, dry mountain slopes.
- Lionel Messi: The 39-year-old Argentina star has had the species named in his honour while continuing his Inter Miami duties in MLS.
- Salvia messii: The plant reaches around 1.5 metres and is native only to rocky areas between 2,000 and 2,400 metres above sea level.
- Researchers: The species may draw further scientific attention because plants in its family are often examined for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential.
The plant’s ability to survive in thin air and harsh terrain was cited as a fitting link to Messi’s long career at elite level.
Football links in scientific naming
Messi is not the first football figure to have a newly identified species named after him. Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha was honoured earlier this year through the naming of a marine mollusc, while former Real Madrid and Costa Rica goalkeeper Keylor Navas had a sea-snail species named after him in 2019 by University of Oviedo professor Jesus Ortea.
What happens next
There is no transfer or squad implication from the recognition. Messi remains focused on Inter Miami’s MLS campaign, while Salvia messii’s endangered classification puts the spotlight on its limited Andean habitat and conservation status.
