New Plant Species Named After Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi, the Argentine football star, has received an unusual honor as a new plant species discovered in the Andes mountains of Peru has been named after him. The plant, classified as endangered, is called Salvia messii, and it features blue and white flowers that resemble the colors of the Argentine national team's jersey. The species belongs to the mint family, known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. It can grow up to 1.5 meters and thrives in rocky, arid slopes at elevations between 2,000 and 2,400 meters. The plant's endangered status is due to climate change and wildfires. The discovery and naming were led by researchers from the National University of San Marcos, including Paul Gonzalez, Rolando Oria, and Jean Cabsha-Ramos from the Huarancho Nature Foundation.

Messi, who currently plays for Inter Miami, is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers in history. He led Argentina to the World Cup final this summer and recently played his last match for the national team, concluding a career that includes three World Cup finals and two Copa America titles. The plant naming follows a trend of honoring athletes with scientific names. Earlier this year, a new species of marine mollusk was named after Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, and in 2019, a species was named after Costa Rican goalkeeper Keylor Navas.

**Context:** This story highlights the intersection of sports and science, showcasing how athletes can be honored through scientific discoveries, and also underscores the importance of biodiversity and conservation efforts in the face of environmental threats.