Disney Channel Preparing to Launch Lionel Messi-Inspired Animated Series

It appears that animation is imitating Lionel Messi’s life…

An animated series inspired by the 37-year-old Argentine professional futbol superstar’s life will soon premiere on the Disney Channel after Disney Branded Television acquired Messi and the Giants from Sony Music Vision and Sony Pictures Television – Kids.

Lionel MessiThe sci-fi animated show follows a 12-year-old boy named Leo, who is transported from his home in Argentina into an alternate universe.

The series will demonstrate how the character faces adversity, builds a team, and discovers how to become a hero.

“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,” Messi expressed in a press release. “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.”

Each episode of Messi and the Giants is 22-minutes long and will premiere on Disney Channel, followed by Disney Channel On Demand and globally on DIsney+, and will be available in English, Spanish and other languages.

“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,” noted Ayo Davis, president, Disney Branded Television. “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.”

“It’s been a privilege to team with Leo and our colleagues at Sony Music on this first-time collaboration,” Joe D’Ambrosia, EVP and general manager, Sony Pictures Television – Kids added. “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.”

“There is an incredible team all working together on this project, with Leo’s magic as the inspiration behind it all,” said Afo Verde, Chairman & CEO, Sony Music Latin Iberia. “We are thrilled that Disney has now joined our roster to help bring this imaginative series to audiences and inspire fans all around the world.”

To date, Messi is the only athlete in the world to win eight Ballon d’Or Awards and six Golden Boots. In July, he joined the MLS team Inter Miami.

Guy Toubes will serve as executive producer, and Atlantis Animation, and director Dan Creteur will serve as the show’s animation studio.

The series was developed by Toubes and Creteur under the creative direction of Sony Music Vision and SPT – Kids, in partnership with Messi.

Lionel Messi Inspires New Animated Series “Messi and the Giants”

Lionel Messi is getting animated…

The 36-year-old Argentine soccer star has inspired Messi and the Giants, an animated series from Sony Music Entertainment and Sony Picture Television.

Lionel MessiThe series, which also counts Leo Messi Management as a co-creator, will launch at Mipcom next week.

The series depicts a 12-year-old Messi as he confronts various obstacles while traveling a video game on a quest to get home.

“Football is the only sport around the world that can inspire excitement and connection in the same way that storytelling does,” said Joe D’Ambrosia, EVP & General Manager, Sony Pictures Television – Kids.

Story editor and writer Guy Toubes (Odd Squad) is attached to the project, while Canary Islands-based Atlantis Animation serves as the lead creative studio driving graphic development and art treatment.