​ROSARIO, Argentina, July 10 (Reuters) – Lionel Messi has received a fresh touch of color on a landmark mural in his hometown. A 534-square-meter (5,748-square-foot) artwork adorning a building in downtown Rosario has been restored and officially unveiled just in time for the football icon’s World Cup quarter-final against Switzerland. The mural, originally painted in 2021, required about 300 liters (79 gallons) of paint to bring it back to life, according to Marlene Zuriaga, one of the project’s directors. The piece, titled “From another galaxy and from my city,” now features three stars on Messi’s oversized jersey emblem, each star commemorating one of Argentina’s World Cup triumphs, and at the top the word “Gracias!” meaning “Thank you!”
Messi, now 39, has cemented his status as the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer during this tournament, adding to the long arc of a career defined by extraordinary achievements on the world stage. Yet his beginnings trace back to the local Rosario club Newell’s Old Boys, where his journey from a budding local player to global football royalty began.
The artists behind the mural emphasize a human-centered narrative. Lisandro Urteaga, one of the painters, explained, “We called the mural ‘From another galaxy,’ but in reality he’s a person who faced numerous challenges from childhood, born among humble working people, who managed to rise above them.” The restored artwork stands as a tribute to Messi’s roots while celebrating his ascent to global superstardom.
The project’s restoration highlights Rosario’s enduring pride in Messi, who many residents view as a symbol of the city’s footballing legacy. The mural’s updated design with three stars aligns with Argentina’s World Cup history: a visible reminder of the country’s championship moments and Messi’s pivotal role in extending that legacy on the world stage.
As fans anticipate the quarter-final clash in this World Cup campaign, the mural serves not only as public art but as a cultural beacon reflecting Messi’s connection to his birthplace. The project’s organizers hope the renovated mural will inspire young athletes in Rosario and across Argentina, illustrating that the city’s stars can rise from local streets to global heights.
The public art initiative was coordinated to celebrate Messi’s ongoing impact on football and to honor the journey of a player who emerged from a modest background to become a planetary icon. The mural’s recent refresh ensures it remains a vibrant focal point for supporters and a tangible reminder of Messi’s roots, his unwavering work ethic, and his contributions to Argentina’s storied World Cup history.
Reporting by Miguel Lo Bianco; writing by Rosalba O’Brien; editing by Christian Radnedge.