10 Tributes to Albiceleste Players in Each of Their Provinces

18th December 2022 will be a date marked forever in the hearts, and some skins, of the Argentinian people: it is the day a third star was added to the national team's shirt. Since the World Cup began, Albiceleste fans have not hesitated to give the most genuine proof of love and fellowship at every victory. T-shirts were given to strangers, grandmothers were praised through chants, hundreds of flags were handed out for free from a balcony, and 9 de Julio Avenue was completely tinged with the colours of the sky.

But that's not all. Football fans always give a little more. The great arrival in the country of the Argentinian national team had to be done properly. And that's what the citizens in each of the players' provinces took care of.

1) Lionel Messi's Mural in Palermo

Who was not moved by the awarding of the Cup to the captain? After Montiel’s last penalty was shot, the best part of the World Cup came. The knot in our bellies was untied, our balconies got crowded with people screaming, and the moment was engraved in our memory forever. After all that, the best part was when player number 10 raised the well-deserved prize for his effort and talent. The artist Maxi Bagnasco portrayed the very second in which Messi lifted the third World Cup trophy for Argentina, wearing an Arab robe called “bisht” that is typical of Qatar’s culture. This artwork is located in Buenos Aires City, on the corner of Darwin and Gorriti streets in Palermo neighbourhood.

2) Lionel Messi's mural in Rosario

The Inter Miami captain's hometown is Rosario, which is famous for the Flag Monument building, the Paraná River waterfront and its delicious gastronomy. Throughout Rosario, there are several murals honouring Albiceleste. However, there is one drawing people’s attention due to its 69-metre height and the image it portrays: Lionel Messi wearing the national team’s shirt and holding his right hand on his chest. It was painted by the muralists Marlene Zuriaga and Lisandro Urteaga at 328 Libertad Avenue, and it is imposing and a clear reminder of the greatest Argentinian victory. How many times has it been said that Messi is from another planet? The artists took this popular saying for their artwork and titled the mural “From another galaxy and from my city”.

3) Lionel Scaloni will have a street in Pujato, Santa Fe, named after him.

He is the mastermind behind the champion team. No one had much faith in him, but he surprised the public, charmed them and won their loyalty. Lionel Scaloni impressed the whole world at the American Cup Tournament and that set the basis for the most beautiful ending of all, that was the victory at Qatar 2022. But apart from his skill as a coach, those who know him highlight humanity, nobility, integrity, and empathy with the players as some of his virtues. In Pujato, Santa Fe province, his hometown, the public response was huge. So much so, that they have already announced that their recognition will be translated into the naming of one of the streets after him.

4) Córdoba Champions Mural

In Córdoba there are four football promises that were born close to nature, a catchy accent and the most Argentinian drink of all: Fernet with Coke. Julián Álvarez, Cristian Romero, Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina hail from the province of Córdoba, in the centre of the country. Their performance with the ball all throughout the World Cup was also celebrated in each of the different towns where they are from. However, beyond the local celebrations, artist Ariel Ocampo immortalised the players in one single mural. Where can you find it? On the corner of Vélez Sarsfield Avenue in the capital city of Córdoba, right in front of the Plaza de las Américas square. It is 25 metres wide, the Cordovan stars appear with the flag in the background and there are three stars indicating Argentina's current championships.

5) Illustrious Citizens of their Cities

This could not be otherwise. It is a distinction awarded to those whose work and trajectory in different fields deserves to be recognised. And so it was with some Scaloneta players, who will be declared illustrious citizens in each of the following cities: Lionel Messi in Funes, a town 15 kilometres from Rosario, in Santa Fe province; Nicolás Tagliafico in Almirante Brown, Buenos Aires province; Juan Foyth, Gerónimo Rulli, and teachers Luis Oscar Martín and Rodrigo Barrios in the city of La Plata; Germán Pezzella and Lautaro Martínez in Bahía Blanca; Marcos Acuña in Zapala, Neuquén; Julián Álvarez in Calchín, Córdoba; and Palacios and Enzo Fernández in San Martín, Buenos Aires. De Paul and “Papu” Gómez are natives of Sarandí, but will receive the title of honorary citizens of Avellaneda. 

6) Julián Álvarez’s Mural in Calchín

With his four important goals in the World Cup, passes at the right time and a unique talent in his youth, Julián Álvarez gave a lot of happy moments to Argentinian fans. The young footballer comes from the town of Calchín, located in the province of Córdoba, where he started playing at Club Atlético Calchín. Locals supported this key player of Scaloni's team from the very beginning. That is why it is no coincidence that they called the artist Vanina Ibarra to paint the mural that currently shows the figures of Julian “Spider” Álvarez, José Rolfo and Germán Martellotto.

7) Dibu Martinez’s Greeting Party in Mar del Plata

It was a massive event, with a host, and even the famous dance by Argentina's goalkeeper performed in the final match against France was done again. “Dibu” was welcomed with great honours in his hometown, Mar del Plata, located in the Atlantic Coast. Also, a group of city legislators presented a project to rename the city’s José María Minella stadium and rename it Emiliano Martínez.

8) Nahuel Molina's Mural in Embalse

Embalse city has the most stunning lake in Córdoba province and a wide variety of tourism water activities to do. However, it has not been the birthplace of a world’s champion until now. After Argentina won the third tournament, the citizens honoured Nahuel Molina by painting a mural of the footballer kissing the World Cup. Where is it? On Cerro de los Enamorados Hill.

9) “Huevo” Acuña’s Mural in Neuquén

Neuquén city is not only known for its rivers and lakes, attracting tourists and locals alike, but also for being the hometown of Argentina’s national team midfielder and left-back Marcos Acuña. The muralist “Cachana” Romero painted a unique artwork to celebrate the player's expertise with the ball, which is located a block away from the Manzano Amargo square.

10) Enzo Fernández’s Mural in San Martín

He came out champion with River Plate club, with Defensa y Justicia club, and now he is a World Cup champion. Enzo Fernández has deeply touched football fans' hearts because he stood out during the World Cup. Therefore, locals in the city of San Martín, Buenos Aires province, did not hesitate to paint a mural for him on the corner of Jose Hernandez and Cabildo streets. In addition to the artistic detail, the location was not randomly chosen: there used to be a football pitch where he trained and played.