Lionel Messi has received an unusual honour after scientists named a newly identified plant species after the Argentine football legend.

The plant, known scientifically as Salvia messii, is native to the Andes Mountains in central and southern Peru. Details of the discovery were published in an academic study, with researchers naming the species after the 39-year-old former Argentina international.

The plant has been classified as endangered, with its survival threatened by climate change and forest fires.

One of its most striking features is its light blue and white flowers, whose colours resemble Argentina’s national football kit.

The name Salvia messii follows internationally recognised botanical naming conventions derived from Latin. The letter ‘i’ was added to Messi’s surname to signify possession, making the scientific name translate to ‘Messi’s plant’.

The newly identified species belongs to the Lamiaceae family, commonly known as the mint family. Plants in this group are associated with various properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effects.

Salvia messii can reach a height of approximately 1.5 metres. Researchers say it has adapted to survive in harsh environments, including dry, rocky mountain slopes. It grows at elevations ranging from 2,000 to 2,400 metres above sea level.

The endangered classification reflects concerns about the effects of changing climatic conditions and wildfires on its natural habitat.

The research and naming process involved Paul Gonzales of the Natural History Museum at the National University of San Marcos, Argentine researcher Rolando Uria and biologist Jean Capcha-Ramos of Huarango Nature.

Messi, who currently plays for Inter Miami, is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time. He also featured prominently at this summer’s World Cup, where Argentina progressed to the final.

Messi retires

Earlier this month, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner played his final international match. During his career with Argentina, he reached three World Cup finals, winning the 2022 edition, and lifted the Copa America trophy twice.

The decision to name a plant after Messi follows other instances in which scientists have honoured football personalities through the discovery and naming of new species.

Earlier in 2026, Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, who also featured at this summer’s World Cup, had a newly discovered marine mollusc named after him by Spanish researcher Jesus Ortea.

Ortea, a professor of Animal Biology and Zoology at the University of Oviedo, had previously named a species of tiny marine snail after former Real Madrid and Costa Rica goalkeeper Keylor Navas in 2019.

Messi’s latest recognition adds an unusual distinction to the legacy of the Argentine superstar, extending his name beyond the football pitch and into the scientific world.