Sports
Messi: World cup winner could be given own banknote
Fresh from his world cup winning campaign, Lionel Messi could soon see his face featured on Argentinian currency
The 35-year-old superstar was sensational for his country throughout the tournament in Qatar, scoring seven goals and providing three assists, thereby leading the South American nation to the third World Cup triumph in their history.
True to form, La Albiceleste’s captain was also their star man in the final, scoring twice as Argentina eventually overcame France 4-2 on penalties after one of the greatest matches in World Cup history.
Messi also deservedly scooped the coveted Golden Ball award following the final, making him the first player in history to be named Player of the Tournament at two World Cups.
The recognition for Messi’s accomplishments, though, shows no sign of stopping now that he is back on home soil in his native Rosario.
Per El Cronista, the Argentina Central Bank is considering a proposal to feature Messi’s face on the 1,000-Peso bill (approx. £4.75) – a move that would be a nod to his iconic number 10 shirt.
The report states that the idea was initially put forward as a joke. However, bank chiefs Eduardo Hecker and Lisandro Cleri – who are both big football fans – loved the suggestion.
Heckler even went as far as to declare that a Messi banknote would ‘awaken the collecting spirit of Argentines’.
Argentina does have a history of making this kind of decision, too, having issued a collection of commemorative coins back when the nation won its first World Cup in 1978.
What might the new Lionel Messi 1000 Peso banknote look like?
In the brief period since the story broke, a mock-up has already emerged of how the newly-devised banknote might look.
Messi’s face appears on the front of the bill, together with an inscription celebrating Argentina’s World Cup 2022 victory.
Meanwhile, on the reverse, an image of the moment that the nation raised the coveted trophy at Lusail Stadium is set to feature.
The proposition to include Messi’s likeness on the front of a banknote sums up just how massive Argentina’s first World Cup win in 36 years has been to the country as a whole.
The Argentine government has unveiled a banknote with the design of the Argentina national team and the face of Lionel Messi. pic.twitter.com/YXnFGIUXlR
— /Spriter/ (@Spriter0000) December 21, 2022
The proposition to include Messi’s likeness on the front of a banknote sums up just how massive Argentina’s first World Cup win in 36 years has been to the country as a whole.
A massive four million people were said to have turned out in the streets of Buenos Aires to welcome Lionel Scaloni’s side home.
Unfortunately, that victory parade had to be abandoned soon after it had begun due to safety concerns, amid wild scenes in the country’s capital.
Things weren’t much calmer for Messi when he returned back to his own residence, either. The Paris Saint-Germain forward required both security and police intervention to make it to his front door as hundreds of well-wishers turned out to celebrate their hero’s return.