{
  "id": 15366430,
  "title": "Lionel Messi now has a flower named after him, and the reason is beautiful",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/lionel-messi-now-has-a-flower-named-after-him-and-the-reason-is",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-18T06:06:28.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Gulf News",
    "slug": "gulf-news",
    "url": "https://gulfnews.com/sport/football/lionel-messi-now-has-a-flower-named-after-him-and-the-reason-is-beautiful-1.500714749"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.",
  "summary": "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.…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "Lionel Messi's legacy takes root with plant tribute",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/lionel-messis-legacy-takes-root-with-plant-tribute",
        "published": "2026-10-18T09:55:27.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}