By Victor Kanayo
There are indications that Lionel Messi’s face could feature on Argentina’s currency after guiding the South American nation to the third World Cup triumph in their history.
The 35-year-old superstar was sensational for his country throughout the tournament in Qatar, scoring seven goals and providing three assists.
True to form, La Albiceleste’s captain was also their star man in the final, scoring twice as Argentina eventually overcame France 4-2 on penalties after one of the greatest matches in World Cup history.
Messi also deservedly scooped the coveted Golden Ball award following the final, making him the first player in history to be named Player of the Tournament at two World Cups.
The recognition for Messi’s accomplishments, though, shows no sign of stopping now that he is back on home soil in his native Rosario.
Per El Cronista, the Argentina Central Bank is considering a proposal to feature Messi’s face on the 1,000-Peso bill (approx. £4.75) – a move that would be a nod to his iconic number 10 shirt.
The report states that the idea was initially put forward as a joke. However, bank chiefs Eduardo Hecker and Lisandro Cleri – who are both big football fans – loved the suggestion.
Heckler even went as far as to declare that a Messi banknote would ‘awaken the collecting spirit of Argentines’.
Argentina does have a history of making this kind of decision, too, having issued a collection of commemorative coins back when the nation won its first World Cup in 1978.
