This reads as a joke, but unfortunately it isn’t. Just as surprised as you are. Like seriously, thought Messi is a name, yes a name that anybody can bear, the question is didn’t people bear that name long before Lionel Messi was born? Serious matter!

According to Bleacher Report, local officials in Argentine forward, Lionel Messi’s hometown, Rosario have passed a law barring residents from naming their kids Messi, either as the first name of their sons or daughters.

BR learnt that residents are still permitted to name their children Maradona, Ronaldo etc but the surname of their hero is no longer available.

*sigh*