Lionel Messi Becomes The New Face Of FIFA

Barcelona forward -- and all around footballing genius -- Lionel Messi has been announced as the new global face of the FIFA brand

by Sammy Barker Thu 24th Nov 2011

Messi was previously the poster boy for Konami's Pro Evolution Soccer series. He was replaced by Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo earlier in the year, prompting rumours that EA had snapped up the Argentinean striker.

Messi's first project will be promoting next year's FIFA Street for PlayStation 3.

I want to be part of the team behind the best sports football game in the world and be associated with the great EA Sports name, the striker said in a perfectly composed PR statement, EA Sports is a brand that shares my values of creativity, excellence and social responsibility. Really, Lionel?

EA Sports' Matt Bilbey added: Our FIFA franchise is the number one selling sports video game franchise in the world, and Lionel Messi is the number one player in the world, so this agreement is a true partnership of superstars. With Messi on our team we have the worlds best and most exciting player to help EA Sports maintain its global leadership in the years ahead.

Watch Messi fiddling with a DualShock controller after the jump.