The Argentina Central Bank is considering putting Lionel Messi’s face on the 1000 peso notes. That’s according to El Financiero newspaper.
Messi is a larger-than-life figure after leading Argentina to the country’s third World Cup title, the first in 36 years.
As Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez says of his compatriot, “Even the president keeps quiet when Messi speaks.”
With 90% inflation ravaging the country, Argentina is looking for anything to help lift spirits.
The country celebrated the team’s historic victory at the famous Obelisco yesterday, with millions in attendance.
Maradona‘s face once featured on Argentina banknotes
Argentina senator Norma Durango once called for the legendary Diego Maradona’s image to be put on the 1000 peso note after his death in November 2020.
She suggested that the other side of the note feature the player’s “Hand of God” goal against England at the 1986 World Cup.
“The idea is not just to recognize our most important idol but also to think of the economic question,” she said upon her bill recommendation.
“We feel that when tourists come here they will want to take a ‘Maradona’ away with them.”
Note that Maradona’s signature was already displayed on a 500 Peso back in the 1980s as a tribute to Napoli.
Photo: Twitter/exec_sum
