Ultimate tribute: Argentina plans to print Lionel Messi’s face on banknotes

Lionel Messi has become the star attraction across the globe after leading Argentina to FIFA World Cup triumph in Qatar.

As per reports, the grateful nation wants to give ultimate tribute to the superstar. They are considering putting his face on a new 1000 peso bill.

The Central Bank of the Republic of Argentina has planned to mark the historic feat and have been working on ideas, following the team’s 4-2 shootout win against France in the high-voltage summit clash.

The mock-up of the proposed currency note has gone viral on various social media platforms. Meanwhile, fans are eagerly hoping to see it in circulation.

The bank sources revealed that the 1000 peso bill was specifically chosen because it begins with the number 10 and coincides with Messi’s Argentina jersey number.

The mock-up depicts Messi’s face in one side while ‘La Scaloneta’, the team’s nickname, will be written on the other side. The name has been associated with the Argentina men’s national team after Lionel Scaloni took charge following Jorge Sampaoli’s exit back in 2018. 

Under Scaloni, Argentina won the 2021 Copa America and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Argentina has not seen such a tribute to their World Cup stars. Back in 1978, when the country first won the mega event, they had issued commemorative coins in tribute.