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Lionel Messi now has a flower named after him, and the reason is beautiful

Dubai: We all know the little magician is an absolute genius. He may have recently retired from international football, but he continues to shine for Inter Miami, scoring a brilliant brace in his latest outing. However, this time, we are not going to talk about his footballing brilliance. Instead, we have an interesting story about Lionel Messi from a completely different field, quite literally.…

In a surprising and beautiful tribute, researchers have named a newly discovered plant species in Peru after the legendary Argentine footballer, Lionel Messi. The plant, named Salvia messi, blooms with light blue and white flowers that mirror the colors of Messi's Argentina jersey. Found in the Andes mountains of Peru, this rare mint family species typically grows on rocky slopes between 2,000 and 2,400 meters above sea level.

However, the good news of having a flower named after him is overshadowed by an alarming conservation status. The plant has been classified as endangered due to its limited distribution and environmental threats. This unique honor adds another remarkable chapter to Messi's already illustrious legacy, extending beyond football to the botanical world.

Written by urgent.news from Gulf News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.

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Veracruz Panama Gang Violence Fear Explained

Gunfire in a Veracruz health centre wounded two on 17 October. Here is what police, prosecutors and local papers say, and what US readers should know.

  • Two individuals shot at Veracruz health center on October 17, 2026.
  • Panama rated Level 2 by State Department, advising increased caution.
  • Police executed eight raids in September 2026, arresting two suspects.

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