Rosario proposal seeks to replace Che Guevara monuments with Lionel Messi

Gabriel Chumpitaz, a former national deputy for Santa Fe, has announced a proposal to be presented to the Rosario Municipal Council to replace public tributes to Ernesto ‘Che’ Guevara with honors dedicated to Lionel Messi.

The initiative seeks to modify various landmarks, including murals, plazas, statues, health centers, libraries, and the city’s official ‘Che Guevara circuit.’ Specific sites mentioned include the mural at Plaza de la Cooperación, Guevara’s birthplace on Entre Ríos 480, and the bronze statue in Plaza Che Guevara.

Chumpitaz argued that while Guevara is a divisive figure associated with historical conflict, Messi represents unifying values such as sport, effort, and hard work. He stated, ‘The Che divides, Messi unites,’ suggesting that shifting the city’s tourism and public identity toward Messi would project a more positive image of Rosario to the world.