Rosario: Welcome to Messitown!
Before becoming a legend at Barcelona and winning the World Cup, Lionel Messi spent his childhood years in Rosario, Argentina, until the age of 13. Today, Rosario has become synonymous with Messi and is a popular tourist destination.
Rosario is a city deeply passionate about football and takes immense pride in being the hometown of the greatest player of all time, Lionel Messi.
It was in Rosario, the largest city in the Santa Fe province, where fans of Newell’s Old Boys, a sports club founded in 1903 and named after Isaac Newell, one of the pioneers of football in Argentina, discovered Lionel Messi’s exceptional talent and his love for the sport.
In the neighborhood of La Bajada, located to the south of Rosario, visitors can find attractions associated with Messi’s upbringing: his childhood home, his old school, the soccer field where he honed his skills, and his first club, all of which draw tourists.
Lionel Messi’s Childhood Home: Messi’s childhood home, situated at 500 Estado de Israel Street, is adorned with the Argentine flag and messages for the star. While currently vacant and seemingly abandoned, the presence of Lionel Messi still lingers through a mural on its side.
School Number 66 General Las Heras: This public school, a few blocks away from Messi’s home, is where he attended for 8 years, from his early education until the age of 13. Messi returned to this school in 2007 for a reunion organized to celebrate his rise to stardom at Barcelona. A mural of Messi wearing the Argentina jersey was painted in the schoolyard by Brazilian artist Paulo Consentino in 2015. 
School Number 66 General Las Heras: This public school, a few blocks away from Messi’s home, is where he attended for 8 years, from his early education until the age of 13. Messi returned to this school in 2007 for a reunion organized to celebrate his rise to stardom at Barcelona. A mural of Messi wearing the Argentina jersey was painted in the schoolyard by Brazilian artist Paulo Consentino in 2015. 
Wall Paintings: Although Messi and his family have moved on, the neighborhood and its surroundings are adorned with images of the Argentina captain. Murals and paintings of Messi can be found everywhere, from lampposts to sidewalks and especially on walls. One of the largest murals, painted in 2021 near Messi’s residence, references his nickname “Alien” that many teammates use: “From another galaxy and from my neighborhood.”
Field of Dreams: This is the very field where Messi displayed his early football skills, played with friends, and rode his bike. Today, it serves as a recreational space where families gather while children play.
Club Abanderado Grandoli: As a child, Messi’s passion for football was nurtured at Club Abanderado Grandoli. He played alongside his brothers, cousins, and friends. The youngest Messi was often invited by coach Salvador Aparicio to participate in matches when a player was absent. In one such instance, Messi scored a hat-trick during his substitution.
Newell’s Old Boys: A devoted fan of Newell’s Old Boys, Messi is familiar with the club’s stadium, now named Estadio Marcelo Bielsa after the renowned former player and coach. Messi was a member of the club’s youth team from the ages of 6 to 13 before joining Barcelona’s La Masia academy. His family couldn’t afford height growth treatment, which Barcelona provided, and this marked the start of his journey to greatness.
To this day, Newell’s Old Boys fans continue to dream of Messi’s return to the club at the end of his career, a prospect that Messi himself has expressed.
Sports Museum Santafesiano: Near Messi’s childhood home lies the Museo del Deporte Santafesiano, dedicated to athletes born in the Santa Fe province. The museum features a football exhibit dedicated to Messi, showcasing headlines, videos, and even a replica of his greatest achievement: the World Cup trophy.
