Lionel Messi's hometown, the city of Rosario in Argentina, may be pale in comparison to Buenos Aires, but it has captured the world's attention right now. Rosario has erupted in celebrations following Messi's World Cup win for Argentina.

Rosario is a very artsy and huge soccer city as it hosts various teams. It also produced some big names. But right now, it's all about their hometown heroes, Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria, who each scored goals during that nail-biting World Cup final against France.

5 Places to Visit in Rosario, Argentina

While it may not be as big as Buenos Aires, Rosario city also has plenty to offer, from a river adventure to history and art. Here are five places that visitors may want to go to.

Lionel Messi's Childhood Home

In the middle-class neighborhood of La Bajada, there stands a two-story house on Israel street. It looks unassuming, but it played a huge part in the country's sporting history because this was the house where Lionel Messi used to live in as a child.

According to Tribuna, the house is often visited by soccer enthusiasts, many even coming from abroad. It has become such a tourist magnet that some parts of the sidewalk were even painted with colors sky blue and white of Argentina and Messi's #10.

Monumento Nacional a la Bandera

When Argentina won, the National Flag Monument was where the residents of Rosario celebrated their two hometown heroes. However, according to Culture Trip, this is Rosario's most recognizable landmark.

It was built in honor of the creator of the Argentinian flag, Manuel Belgrano, who revealed it on an island in the Parana River, just off the shores of Rosario. The monument also offers a majestic panoramic view of the city and an excellent meet-up place.

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Parana River

Rosario is a river city, and the Parana River is an important place here. It holds several attractions, from river cruises to kayaking, according to The Crazy Tourist. Visitors can also have lunch on one of its islands and enjoy a traditional Argentinian river feast.

Museo de Arte Contemporaneo (MACRO)

Aside from being a huge sports city, Rosario is also a very artsy one. The city is home to MACRO, and the museum holds what may be the most important collection of contemporary artworks in Argentina. 

It has ten stories of artwork and provides great city views. Many of its works of art are done by local artists, and the building itself was converted from a restored grain silo.

Che Guevara Statue

Rosario is not just the birthplace of Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria but also of Argentinian revolutionary Ernesto "Che" Guevara. 

Guevara was not Cuban but an Argentinian. There is a 4-meter-tall bronze statue of the rebel leader in a plaza named in his honor.

READ MORE: Argentina Is Traditionally a Soccer-Crazy Nation in South America Like Brazil

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

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