Museo del Deporte de la Provincia de Santa Fe, Rosario

The “Museo del Deporte de la Provincia de Santa Fe” in the city of Rosario has a priceless treasure of content and stories. With its modern, multifunctional and international design, it invites us to explore the history of the Province of Santa Fe and its love of sport.

It also tells the story of Luis Brunetto, Olympic athletics and jumping champion in 1924, along with that of hockey-player Luciana Aymar, who won the title of “best player in the world” eight times between 2000 and 2012, bringing us to the present day with footballer Lionel Messi as standard-bearer, proudly showcasing the sporting history of hundreds of immigrants.

Italian immigration to Argentina between the end of the 19^th century and the beginning of the 20^th was key to the country's transformation. Buenos Aires was one of the major ports of welcome, but so was Santa Fe, the country's most important farming region. The first Italian colony here was called “Speranza” (which means Hope). Another of the areas most popular with immigrants was Rosario, Argentina's second most important port, where there was much more work.

In 1925, Julio Libonatti, son of immigrants and player for Newll's Old Boys (the same club where Lionel Messi began playing), became the first American player to be sold to an Italian club, Torino. Others became marathon runners, racing drivers, swimmers, cyclists, boxers, rowers, basketball players, hockey players, volleyball players, tennis players, etc.

Story compiled in collaboration with Romina Deprati, Andrea Pedemonte and the Archive of Museo del Deporte de la Provincia de Santa Fe, Rosario - Argentina