Argentinian soccer icon Leo Messi is teaming with Sony Music Entertainment and Sony Pictures Television – Kids to produce and globally distribute the animated series Messi and the Giants, which will be introduced at the annual trade show MIPCOM next week.
“Created for children and young adolescent audiences, Messi and the Giants depicts a 12-year-old Messi as he confronts various obstacles while traveling through a video game on a quest to go home,” per an official description. “The series will feature original music from Sony Music Entertainment artists and composers.”
“Messi, the recent football world champion with the Argentine National Team, is a global icon and inspiration to millions of fans. To date, he is the only athlete in the world to win seven Ballon d’Or awards and six Golden Boots. Messi joined MLS team Inter Miami in July of this year, where his debut match became the most-watched soccer game in U.S. television history. Off the pitch, Messi is recognized for his sportsmanship and passion for the sport, which will be featured heavily throughout the series.”
Joe D’Ambrosia, EVP & General Manager at Sony Pictures Television – Kids said: “Football is the only sport around the world that can inspire excitement and connection in the same way that storytelling does. What makes this series special is that it focuses on the same principles of good sportsmanship … it’s about perseverance, resilience, teamwork, and believing in yourself. We’ve enjoyed working with Leo and the entire team at Sony Music on this creative collaboration, and we’re looking forward to sharing more about this thoughtful and inspiring series to our broadcast and platform partners later this month.”
Story editor and writer Guy Toubes (Odd Squad) is involved as the lead scriptwriter. Canary Islands-based Atlantis Animation will serve as the lead creative studio, focusing on graphic development and art treatment. The series will be available in English, Spanish, and other languages.
