Street in New Jersey named after Lionel Messi ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026
New Jersey, May 20
Lionel Messi's impact on North American football culture and popular culture in general has touched new heights, with the Argentina's FIFA World Cup winning footballer honoured with his own street name, as per Goal.com.
Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be co-hosted by USA, Mexico and Canada, a local township in New Jersey has designated a stretch of road as 'Leo Messi Way'.
The Argentina superstar, who led his nation to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022, sees his name get etched into the geography of the United States, which happens to be his place of work as he represents Inter Miami in the Major League Soccer (MLS).
The residents of Berkeley Heights, a suburb located in Union County, New Jersey, have officially sanctioned the creation of 'Leo Messi Way' for celebrating the football icon.
The town has a population of just over 13,000 and has chosen a specific section of Sherman Avenue to bear the name of the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner. The initiative was done by the BH FIFA World Cup 26 Task Force. This local administration group was specifically established for the promotion of community events and building up excitement ahead of the biggest football tournament in the world.
The location of 'Leo Messi Way' is no coincidence as it is placed next to Patria Station Cafe, a local establishment that has become a spiritual home for Argentine football fans of the region. The cafe was founded by Argentine dancer Carolina Zokalski and attracts a crowd of Albiceleste community and football fanatics.
Since Messi's joining of Inter Miami in 2023, the football landscape in the USA has changed with record-breaking attendance records and several stars of European football seeking a run in MLS.
In the upcoming edition, Argentina will be facing Austria, Jordan and Algeria, with whom they are placed in Group J. Their campaign opener will be against Algeria at Kansas City on June 16.
— ANI
Reader Comments
It's wonderful to see how Messi has become a cultural bridge. The Patria Station Cafe becoming a hub for Argentine fans is so heartwarming. In our country too, football brings people together, especially during World Cup season. This street naming is a classy move by the local authorities.
While I appreciate the gesture, I think this is a bit over the top. Giving a street name to a footballer when there are so many local heroes who deserve recognition? Messi is great but this feels like marketing hype for the World Cup. What about the residents who actually live on Sherman Avenue? Just my two paise.
Look at the opponents Argentina has in their group - Austria, Jordan and Algeria. That's a tough group despite Messi's brilliance. But then again, this is the GOAT we're talking about. Ab bas, name a street after him in India too! We have so many football fans here in Kolkata and Goa. 🔥
The fact that a small town of 13,000 people did this shows how grassroots support for football is growing in the US. I moved here from Mumbai and the difference in football culture is night and day. Messi joining Inter Miami was the spark MLS needed. Smart move by the township to capitalize on World Cup fever.
I hope this inspires young footballers in India too. We have so much talent but no infrastructure. Meanwhile, a town in New Jersey is naming streets after players. Yeh toh hamare desh mein bhi hona chahiye! Imagine a 'Sunil Chhet
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