# Discovery of Salvia messii in the Andes

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/discovery-of-salvia-messii-in-the-andes
> Updated: 2026-10-24T03:16:27.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

An international team of scientists has discovered a new aromatic shrub species in the Peruvian Andes, naming it ‘Salvia messii’ in honor of Argentine footballer Lionel Messi. The plant, which belongs to the Lamiaceae family, was identified through specimens collected between 2023 and 2025.

Characterized by light blue and white flowers that resemble the colors of the Argentine flag, the species grows on rocky slopes at altitudes between 2,000 and 2,400 meters. Researchers noted the plant contains high concentrations of flavonoids with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties. Due to its specific habitat requirements in mountainous scrublands, the species is classified as endangered.

The naming of this plant marks the sixth time a biological species has been named after Messi, a feat that has earned him a Guinness World Record.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-24: New Andean plant species named Salvia messii after Lionel Messi

Scientists have discovered a new aromatic plant species in the Peruvian Andes, naming it ‘Salvia messii’ after Lionel Messi due to its light blue and white flowers.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-andean-plant-species-named-salvia-messii-after-lionel-messi

### 2026-10-21: Lionel Messi honored with sixth species named after him

A new sage plant, Salvia messii, found in the Peruvian Andes, has been named after Lionel Messi, marking the sixth species to honor the footballer.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lionel-messi-honored-with-sixth-species-named-after-him

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Cite as: Discovery of Salvia messii in the Andes. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/discovery-of-salvia-messii-in-the-andes