Lionel Messi was born in La Bajada, Rosario’s poorest town. But his fame and World Cup success could transform his hometown.
A painting of Messi at La Bajada. Photo: New York Times.
A painting of Messi at La Bajada. Photo: New York Times .
Lionel “Leo” Messi has just led the Argentina team to win the 2022 World Cup. For many, there is no doubt that El Pulga has become the greatest striker of all time.
The World Cup is also expected to be a boost for Argentina’s economy, which is in crisis. Lionel Messi’s home country could also benefit from the large number of tourists coming to visit after his great performance at the special World Cup.
Lionel Messi was born on June 24, 1987 at Hospital Italiano Garibaldi in Rosario, the third most populous city in Argentina. He grew up in the suburb of La Bajada, Rosario’s poorest town.
The house Messi lived in as a child in La Bajada, Rosario’s poorest town. Photo: Athletic.
The house Messi lived in as a child in La Bajada, Rosario’s poorest town. Photo: Athletic .
Argentina’s third most populous city
There are now countless murals of Messi painted on walls all over Rosario. After the home team’s victory, the streets of Rosario were immersed in a celebratory atmosphere. People hugged and cheered in happiness.
Rosario is just over 305 kilometers from the capital Buenos Aires. A decade ago, there were rumors of a high-speed train connecting the city to the Argentine capital.
But economic difficulties have delayed the plan, so it will take up to four hours to get from Retiro station (Buenos Aires) to Rosario Norte in Rosario.
The Telegraph has described Rosario as similar to post-industrial cities in the north of England, especially Manchester. Post-industrial is the stage where the economy shifts from producing and providing goods to providing services.
Rosario is also a center for industry, railways, trade and transportation. Similar to Manchester, Rosario is known as a hard-working city, generating the highest GDP per capita in Argentina.
But according to the Athletic , Messi’s hometown is also known as a scary city with drug gangs. Even in the city center, visitors will be warned because the murder rate here is four times higher than the national average.
Promote tourism
Compared to the time Messi left his home country for Barcelona, the socio-economic situation in Argentina has worsened significantly. The major grain-producing country has just announced an inflation rate of 92.4% in November. The country’s operating interest rate has increased to 75%.
The peso has been severely devalued and foreign reserves have been depleted. Investors are worried that Sergio Massa is not doing enough to reform the economy. In late July, the government of Argentine President Alberto Fernández appointed Massa, the president of the lower house of Congress, as super-minister of the economy.
Argentina’s economic and social troubles could worsen in next year’s presidential election.
The World Cup gold medal helped Lionel Messi become a new god in the hearts of many Argentines. Photo: Athletic.
The World Cup gold medal helped Lionel Messi become a new god in the hearts of many Argentines. Photo: Athletic .
But many Argentines believe the World Cup will give the economy a boost. Football unites people, bringing hope and desire.
The World Cup winners could also benefit from greater global recognition. Camila Gotelli, 25, who works in marketing, believes a historic World Cup win in Qatar will boost Argentina’s economy.
According to her, the World Cup throne will help attract tourism, create jobs and enhance the country’s position globally.
Back in El Pulga’s hometown of Rosario, former neighbors have decorated the childhood home of the man they consider “from another galaxy.”
One neighbor said Messi had turned the neighborhood into a tourist destination. “A lot of people come here from all over the world. Without Messi, they wouldn’t know about this city,” he added.
“Instead of the hides, frozen meat and wheat that built the city, Messi is seen as a ‘local export’,” writes Chris Moss of The Telegraph .
