Five Interesting Facts about Rosario, Lionel Messi’s Hometown
- Istimewa
VIVA – The national team of Argentina won the 2022 World Cup after defeating France in a penalty shootout. When it comes to Argentina, it cannot be separated from Lionel Messi. Lionel Messi is considered as The Greatest of All Time or a GOAT football player who was born in Rosario, Argentina.
Rosario is the largest city in Argentina located in Santa Fe Province. The city, located about 300 miles from Argentina's capital, Buenos Aires, is the third most populous city in the country.
In the city of Rosario, people can see classical architecture, such as Art Nouveau and Art Deco architecture, which has been preserved for centuries in residences, as well as public buildings.
Of all the amazing things in Rosario, the city located on the west bank of the Paraná River is much better known as a home of Lionel Messi. So, here are five interesting facts about Rosario.
1. The Origin Construction of the Church of Senora del Rosario
Gereja Nuestra Senora
- Istimewa
In 1689, Luis Romero de Pineda, a colonial soldier, built a villa in Rosario, later gathering settlers and workers from Santa Fe to establish a rural district in the area.
The district, referred to as Los Arroyos, flourished in the region, until 1725 when the site of the villa built by Romero de Pineda changed its name to Rosario. Development continued in 1731 when the Church of Nuestra Señora del Rosario or 'Mother of the Rosary' Church was established and became the center of the town's early development.
2. Birthplace of the Argentine Flag
Suporter Argentina di Piala Dunia 2022
- AP Photo/Jorge Saenz
Although it has been established since 1689, Rosario never raised the Argentine flag, until 1812. This was because Rosario supported the May Revolution of 1810.
The events that took place from May 18 to 25 took place in Buenos Aires, which was then the capital of the Viceroyalty of Río de la Plata. During these events, a local government, the Primera Junta (First Junta) was formed on May 25. This junta would eventually become the state of Argentina.
It wasn't until February 27, 1812, that General Manuel Belgrano raised the Argentine flag for the first time on the banks of the Paraná. The flag raising led to Rosario being called the 'Cradle of the Argentine Flag' or the birthplace of the Argentine flag.
3. Rosario Known as Cultural Center
Not only known for its port, which is the main center for shipping Argentine goods, Rosario, the third largest city in Argentina, is also a cultural center.
First settled in 1720, the city wasn't considered legal by Spain until 1816. During that time, the city became paralyzed and did not develop. In honor of the struggle for independence, the Parque de la Independencia and Monumento Nacional a la Bandera was built.
The Monumento Nacional a la Bandera is about 78 meters tall and depicts a large ship, sailing towards the future and marks the grave of Manuel Belgrano, the man who first designed the Argentine flag.
4. Has an Unusual Nickname
Rosario is one of the few cities in Argentina that cannot point to an individual as its founder. The city is named after the final name of the 'Patroness of the City', the Virgin of the Rosary or also known as Our Lady of the Rosary.
The image of the Virgin of the Rosary remains in the cathedral, in the same place as the original. Every October 7 the Roman Catholic Church holds the annual feast of 'Our Lady of the Rosary'. The party honors the 16th-century naval victories that secured Europe from the Turkish invasion.
5. Born Many Great Football Players
Lionel Messi antar Timnas Argentina juara Piala Dunia 2022
- AP Photo/Martin Meissner
Apart from the legendary Lionel Messi, Rosario is also the birthplace of several other famous soccer players, such as Angel Di Maria from Paris Saint Germain, who often expresses his love for Rosario.
There's also Ever Banega, Cristian Ansaldi, Giovan lo Celso, Inter Milan's Mauro Icardi, and former Argentina midfielder Maxi Rodriguez.
