Football transfer news: FIFA snap up Lionel Messi in historic deal, rivals not happy!
Lionel Messi has been unveiled as the new “global face of the EA Sports FIFA franchise,” by publishing giant Electronic Arts, after the Barcelona player switched allegiances from Konami’s Pro Evolution Soccer series to its most bitter of rivals.
There was an aura of smugness about the EA spokesperson who made the following announcement, “The biggest transfer deal this football season sees the FIFA Ballon d’Or 2010 winner transfer to EA SPORTS.”
He went on to reveal when the former cover star of Pro Evolution Soccer would make his debut on a FIFA cover, “...and make his debut in March, 2012 on the cover of FIFA Street.”
The deal can be likened to Real Madrid buying Messi from Barcelona, as the FIFA and Pro Evo series have been fierce rivals almost every year. The move is somewhat a coup by EA Sports as it leaves Konami having lost their biggest star in the marketing and
advertising wars.
Messi will likely replace Manchester United striker, Wayne Rooney just as Rooney replaced Ronaldinho not so long ago. However, as mentioned before, Messi’s first bow on the cover of a FIFA game will come in the revamp of the FIFA Street series which is scheduled
for release next year, in 2012.
PES seemed to have two of the most prized football players in their ranks as Real Madrid superstar was snapped up by Konami to join Messi on the cover of PES 2012; however that only seemed to push EA Sports to sign Messi for their own game.
Barcelona’s little magician was on hand to comment on the deal himself, “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. EA Sports is a brand that shares my values of creativity,
excellence and social responsibility.”
The ‘global responsibility’ bit refers to how EA Sports will provide all kinds of support to the Leo Messi Foundation. The initiative, which was started by the footballing megastar, looks to provide children around the world with educational, health care
related and social initiatives.
The move also has another underlying message as well, as it seems to reflect how the shift of power between the Pro Evolution Series and the FIFA franchise as well.
PES was long regarded as the superior of the two games, however, in recent years that has changed with FIFA 12 wiping the floor with its competition with this year’s title.
Messi, being the best player in the world at the moment, moving from PES to FIFA will be viewed by many as a real life representation of the crowning of the new king of footy games.
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