Argentine 'Blue-White Army' Superfan in Indonesia Names Grandson 'Messi'

2026 FIFA World Cup Key News

(Central News Agency, Polewali Mandar, Indonesia, Dec. 12 — International News) Muhammad Yusuf, a 54-year-old fisherman from a small village in West Sulawesi, Indonesia, is a legendary die-hard fan of Argentine football star Lionel Messi. Not only has he painted his home in the iconic colors of Argentina's 'Blue-White Army', the reigning champions, but he has also named his 3-year-old grandson 'Messi'.

According to AFP, as hundreds of people dressed in Argentina's team colors paraded past his house, Muhammad stood on his balcony proudly holding a replica of the FIFA World Cup trophy, swaying to the thunderous music.

Muhammad, from Polewali Mandar in West Sulawesi, has been a passionate fan of the Argentine national football team since the 1980s, with Lionel Messi being his idol. He has painted his two-story wooden house in the 'Blue-White Army's' iconic colors, and even the pebbles in his yard, the fence, and his slippers match the team's color scheme.

Speaking to AFP about his idol, Muhammad said: 'I've loved Argentina since the Maradona era. Now we have Messi.'

Despite living on the far side of the world from South America, every corner of Muhammad's home is adorned with Messi posters and Argentine jerseys.

At the center of his front yard stands a large replica of the FIFA World Cup trophy, attracting visitors from nearby villages. Locals celebrate the kickoff of the FIFA World Cup under the flagpole outside his home, where the Argentine national flag proudly flies.

His deep love for Argentina's champion captain led him to name his 3-year-old grandson Muhammad Messi. The boy was born on the day Argentina defeated Mexico in the 2022 World Cup group stage.

Muhammad gained fame in Indonesia when he fulfilled his promise to walk 6 kilometers to visit his newborn grandson in a neighboring village if Argentina won the championship.

This may be Messi's final World Cup dance. Muhammad plans to watch every match of Argentina's campaign. He told AFP: 'I hope Messi can become world champion again in 2026.' (Translated by: Ho Hung-Ju) 1150612