Lionel Messi gets 'Welcome to Wrexham' treatment! Inter Miami superstar's 'Messi and the Giants' animated series set to stream on Disney Plus

It was revealed back in 2023 that the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, who is now plying his trade in MLS with Inter Miami, would be starring in his own kids TV show. Said production has been picked up by Disney Branded Television – who already run the award-winning Wrexham documentary pieced together by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney - although no global launch date has been announced.

Messi has said of featuring in a show that will premiere on the Disney Channel: “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 and the Giants’, which is produced by Sony Music Vision and Sony Pictures Television - Kids, is said to be an action-adventure series that tells the story of “Leo, an ordinary 12-year-old boy with an extraordinary talent and a huge problem. 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.”

Disney are delighted to have teamed up with Messi – one of the most recognisable sporting stars on the planet – with Ayo Davis, president of Disney Branded Television, saying: “Football — or soccer as we call it in the United States — is the world’s most beloved sport, uniting and captivating millions of fans of all ages.

“We are proud to work with Lionel Messi and Sony Pictures Television to bring ‘Messi and the Giants’ to our passionate, global kids’ audience. We know that its themes of family, friendship, and teamwork will resonate with not only football enthusiasts but everyone everywhere who loves a great story.”

Joe D’Ambrosia, EVP and general manager of Sony Pictures Television – Kids, added: “Football is one of those rare sports that brings people together and shines a light on the true meaning of teamwork. It’s been a privilege to team with Leo and our colleagues at Sony Music on this first-time collaboration. We’re thrilled that Disney is giving a global platform to this fun take on a classic tale and look forward to launching a global consumer products and branded partnerships program alongside the show’s debut.”

World Cup winner Messi, who is the most decorated player of all-time, has continued to wow audiences in the United States at Inter Miami – claiming the MVP award in MLS for 2024 – and will be back for more next season as he still has a year left to run on his contract in Florida.