World football superstar Lionel Messi now has his own flower! Scientists have discovered a previously unknown species of sage in the Peruvian Andes. Its blossoms shine in the national colors of Argentina. However, the rare plant is already threatened with extinction.
A flower bears the name of the world champion
In the Peruvian Andes, scientists have described a new plant species. Its scientific name is Salvia messii – a tribute to the Argentine football star Lionel Messi. The light blue and white blossoms are reminiscent of the colors of the Argentine national team, with which Messi became football world champion in 2022.
Where the Messi flower grows
The plant grows on rocky mountain slopes of the western Andes in the Peruvian regions of Lima and Ica. Its habitat is located at an altitude between 2,000 and 2,400 meters. The aromatic shrub can grow up to 1.50 meters tall.
So far, only six locations have been identified. According to current findings, the species occurs exclusively in Peru.
A photo set the researchers on the trail
Argentine agricultural engineer Rolando Uría noticed unusual features in plant photographs that did not match previously known sage species. Together with Peruvian botanist Paúl Gonzáles from the Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos and biologist Jean Capcha-Ramos from Huarango Nature, he examined the plant more closely.
The scientists compared plant samples, botanical collections, and historical records. The result: a species that had not yet been scientifically described. The discovery was published on October 2, 2026, in the journal Phytotaxa.
Barely discovered, already threatened with extinction
The new Messi flower is endangered. Scientists have provisionally classified it as critically endangered. Its known distribution range is small. Forest and brush fires, road construction, increasing drought, and human intervention threaten its natural habitat.
Since the plant has so far only been found in Peru, protecting its locations is particularly important.
Peru's Andes hold further secrets
The discovery shows how little some areas of the Peruvian Andes have been botanically explored to date. The transition zones between dry mountain landscapes and remaining Andean forests, in particular, could harbor further unknown plant species.
The research on the potato and its significance for human development also demonstrates how closely plants and the history of the Andes are connected.
With Salvia messii, Peru's extraordinary biodiversity gains a prominent name. Messi has long been football history. His flower could become history too – if its habitats are not protected.
Sources
Gonzáles, P., Uría, R. & Capcha-Ramos, J. (2026): A remarkable new Salvia (Lamiaceae) from the ecotonal vegetation surrounding the western Andean relict forests of Peru. Phytotaxa 777 (3), 272–282. Original study.
Agencia Andina, October 16, 2026: Un homenaje a Messi que nace en Andes peruanos.
La República, October 16, 2026: Científicos descubren una nueva especie de flor albiceleste en los Andes peruanos.
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