Berkeley Heights honors Lionel Messi with temporary street name near World Cup site
BERKELEY HEIGHTS, New Jersey (WABC) -- Just a few miles from where the 2026 World Cup final will be played, one New Jersey street is already celebrating soccer's biggest star.
In Berkeley Heights, Union County, the intersection of Sherman Avenue and Station Street will temporarily be renamed "Leo Messi Way" during the tournament, a tribute to Argentina's World Cup-winning captain.
"We thought it was a good idea, so I just followed the steps," one organizer said. "I went to the town, which is right across the street from us, and talked to different people. And it was finally approved after a few months."
"I think we connect with Messi in a different way because we are both immigrants, Argentinians living abroad, and his love for our flag, our colors and our culture is inspiring," she said.
The idea came from Carolina Zokalski, who moved to the United States from Argentina 30 years ago. She turned her small café into a home away from home for fans of Argentina's blue and white.
It's where fans gathered to cheer, cry and celebrate Argentina's historic victory in Qatar.
Messi has not visited the café, but Zokalski was able to prepare a special treat for him.
"I had the opportunity to gift him a Milanesa napolitana, which is his favorite food, for his birthday," she said.
"We love him, because he deserves this and much more," she added. "Just come. We love you. You're going to feel at home, too."
The "Leo Messi Way" sign is set to be unveiled Saturday in Berkeley Heights.
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