Like fine wine, Rosario native and Barcelona striker Leo Messi only gets better with age, so it seems only fitting that the world’s greatest futbol player have his own bottle of wine. That’s the idea behind “Leo,” a new collection from the Valentin Bianchi Winery in San Rafael, Mendoza.
The 24-year-old, multiple Ballon d’Or winner has proven his ability to sell everything from $200 Adidas cleats to Chinese cars, so Argentine wine should be a cinch by comparison. In fact, if measured by the kilo, Argentine wine and Messi are two of Argentina’s most valuable exports. And true to La Pulga’s philanthropic form, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of “Leo” will go towards charitable causes.
In launching the wine, Bianchi is collaborating with the Leo Messi Foundation in an effort to promote projects geared towards the health and development of children. Founded in 2008, the Foundation offers training internships in Barcelona for Argentine doctors who specialize in the treatment of children’s cancer. Most recently, the Foundation opened a sports facility for the children of Rosario.
The Valentin Bianchi Winery is located in San Rafael, Mendoza, recently named one of the World’s Best Places to Retire by CNN/Money and Fortune Magazine.






