Sony Music Entertainment and Sony Pictures Television – Kids, together with Leo Messi Management, today announced that they are teaming for the first time to produce and globally distribute the new animated series, Messi and the Giants, inspired by the Argentinian football superstar. The series will be introduced at MIPCOM.
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. 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.
“We’re thrilled to present Messi and the Giants at MIPCOM, the global market for entertainment content,” said Fernando Cabral, EVP, Business Development, Latin-Iberia, Sony Music Entertainment. “With our partners at Sony Pictures Television – Kids, we can’t wait to share the vision and creative direction behind this inspirational series with full support from Leo and his incredible team.”
Joe D’Ambrosia, EVP & General Manager, Sony Pictures Television – Kids, added, “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 & writer Guy Toubes (Odd Squad) has joined the project as lead scriptwriter, bringing years of experience across the television, interactive media, stage and motion picture space. Canary Islands-based Atlantis Animation (Tara Duncan, Miraculous Ladybug) will serve as the lead creative studio driving graphic development and art treatment. The series was developed by Sony Music Entertainment in partnership with Leo Messi and will be available in English, Spanish and many other languages.
Earlier today, Messi revealed a new teaser clip across his social media platforms, giving fans a first-look at the series’ title character and logo treatment:
