Lionel Messi-inspired animated series will be released on Disney

An animated kids' show inspired by Argentine football superstar Lionel Messi is announced to be released on Disney Channel and streamed on Disney+ while the first look of the show is unveiled as well. The show is officially named 'Messi and the Giants' and the release date will be announced soon. 

❗️JUST IN: An animated series called “Messi and the Giants” will soon premiere on Disney Channel and stream on Disney+. Launch date to be announced soon. In this show, a 12-year old Leo who will be taking on villains who have 10 realms under their control. #FCB 🇦🇷📺 pic.twitter.com/ioMwVRUAR7

— Reshad Rahman (@ReshadFCB) December 16, 2024

Lionel Messi commences an offbeat journey

According to the official description, the storyline of the series is: "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."

The series was reported to be in the development phase back in 2023 and was developed by Guy Toubes and Dan Creteur, under the creative direction of Sony Music Vision and Sony Pictures Television Kids, in partnership with Lionel Messi. Disney has now acquired the broadcasting and streaming rights of the show. Each episode of this series will be 22 minutes long and will be available to watch in English, Spanish, and other languages. 

Messi expressed his excitement

Lionel Messi expressed his excitement regarding the show and its soon-to-be premiere, as the Inter Miami star stated the following in a press release:

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.

Joe D’Ambrosia, the EVP and general manager of Sony Pictures TV Kids remarked:

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.

Afo Verde, chairman and CEO of Sony Music Latin also showed his excitement about working with Messi:

There is an incredible team all working together on this project, with Leo’s magic as the inspiration behind it all,