Lionel Messi’s hometown of Rosario in a state of emergency

The plain gray house in the street “Lavalleja 400” has long since become a place of pilgrimage for Lionel Messi fans and tourists. The soccer professional was born 35 years ago here in the industrial city of Rosario, a good three hours’ drive north of the capital Buenos Aires. “From another galaxy, but from my neighborhood” is what locals have written on one of the walls here.

In the week before the World Cup final between Argentina and France, things in the “Las Heras” district are even more international than they used to be. TV teams from China and Japan as well as tourists from Colombia, Mexico and France can be found here – and neighbor Carlos (65).

Messi soccer field becomes a place of worship

The 65-year-old goes to his house to get photos “from back then”. Among other things, they show the young Lionel Messi on that evening when he celebrated his farewell from Rosario with friends. Carlo’s family was there too. The next day, he flew to Barcelona to first make a splash at Barca’s youth school and then launch a world career.

“We knew he was a great talent. But who would have thought that the boy who played on the soccer field with the street children would one day become the best footballer in the world,” says Carlos. In “Lavalleja” they follow the World Cup tournament with great pride.

The football field on the corner where Messi played with the neighboring boys and scored his first goals has become a place of worship. Artists have captured scenes from Messi’s life on the walls surrounding the soccer field. Messi is also immortalized larger than life on the back wall of his birthplace. “Thank you” is written on it (photo above).

In these days leading up to the World Cup final, the excitement and anticipation can be felt all over Rosario. Somehow everyone feels that this time it’s “so far”. Official jerseys with the “Number 10” are sold out, but black market dealers are still doing huge business with cheap copies. “People are in a state of emergency,” says saleswoman Marta. “Everyone wants to dress up in the national colors again before the final.”

Finally good news from Rosario

International interest in Lionel Messi is a boon for the city. Most recently, Rosario made the headlines due to increasing violence and drug-related crime, the murder rate rose, and the archbishop called for prayers and peace marches. But now there is finally positive news. The Argentines had to wait eight years for a second chance after losing the World Cup final against Germany (0:1). Now it should finally work and Messi should crown his career.

They have already prepared for “Day X” in the new, attractive sports museum in the province of Santa Fe, whose capital is the third largest metropolis, Rosario. Between the large photos of the World Cup heroes from 1978 with Marito Kempes and 1986 with Diego Maradona is the World Cup trophy on a wall of honor.

“La Esperanza – Hope” can be read there. There is a photo of Angel di Maria and Lionel Messi, who both played a key role in the first Copa America victory since 1993 a year and a half ago. Achieved against arch-rivals Brazil at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, of all places.

The museum also commemorates the importance of the city of Rosario for Argentine football. The current national coach, Lionel Scaloni, was born here, as was the legendary 1978 World Cup coach, Cesar Luis Menotti. The list of prominent footballers and coaches who have moved out of Rosario is truly impressive. The Argentine revolutionary Che Guevara, who helped liberate Cuba from the Battista dictatorship before resorting to similar means himself, also comes from Rosario.

The most famous son in town

However, none of them is as ubiquitous in this city as Messi. In his school, a mural decorates the wall to the schoolyard. His jersey hangs in the windows of the skyscrapers, and the children in the city’s soccer schools all wear the shirt with the number ten. On the banks of the Parana River, which carries the cityscape, there is now also a huge Messi graffiti on the skyline.

People love him for his exceptional footballing qualities, but also because he still feels close ties to his hometown. Messi always spends the Christmas holidays there to celebrate with family and friends.

“The whole city is keeping their fingers crossed for Messi,” says former neighbor Carlos. “I don’t begrudge him that, despite his great success, he always kept his feet on the ground and never caused any scandals. He’s just a good boy.”