Argentina star Lionel Messi has joined forces with Disney to launch a new TV show.
The 37-year-old currently plies his trade in America with MLS side Inter Miami. He has not yet confirmed whether he is thinking about retirement at this stage.
But the 2022 World Cup winner has attempted to explore other careers and is now the face of a new show. The animated programme - streaming on Disney+ - will follow Leo “an ordinary 12-year-old boy with an extraordinary talent and a huge problem”.
An official press release about the programme revealed: “The once-thriving world of Iko is in tatters at the mercy of the Giants who rule the 10 realms. Only one hero can save them … and he’s the size of a flea. Young Leo is plucked from another world to lead the fight against the tyrannical villains who have kept the 10 realms under their control.”
Messi has also spoken out on the series. He said: “I always dreamed of being involved in a project that would share the values of sports, the very same values that have been so important to my career, with younger generations.
“Nothing truly is impossible with teamwork, perseverance, discipline, and hard work. I look forward to sharing this series with kids around the world, and I hope I will inspire them and motivate them to achieve their own dreams. Ever since I was a kid, I always loved animated series, and I look forward to watching this series with my own kids.”
Messi’s latest career venture comes after he enjoyed a sensational season with Inter Miami. He scored 23 goals and provided 13 assists in 25 appearances in all competitions.
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His contributions helped Inter Miami win the Supporters Shield for the best team in the regular season - while they also broke the record for the most MLS points ever in a season. But that wasn’t enough for them to win the title after being defeated by Atlanta United in the MLS Cup playoffs.
Meanwhile, Messi’s former teammate Sergio Aguero has claimed Messi will still be playing when the next World Cup rolls around. Speaking earlier this year, he said: “I think Messi will make it to 2026, he will take care of himself.
"Obviously he won’t be the Leo he always was, but give him a few free-kicks or a few assists and he will make them. He can get there physically. If he wants to, he will, because he takes good care of himself."
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