Lionel Messi says it’s “crazy and incredible” that his life story and achievements as a footballer will be the subject of a new show by Cirque du Soleil.
Created by Cirque du Soleil, the show will “draw its inspiration from the incredible talent and accomplishments of the football legend, who embodies the unique spirit and values of his sport”.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Messi said: “It feels both crazy and incredible that Cirque du Soleil will create a show based on my life, my passion, my sport. Cirque du Soleil is a family favourite of ours. I have no doubt this show will amaze people as their shows always do.”
Cirque du Soleil has previously paid homage to musical legends such as Michael Jackson and The Beatles, but the Messi show will be its first about football.
Jonathan Tétrault, president of Cirque du Soleil, said: “We are thrilled to be working with such a living legend. We are convinced that bringing Messi’s legacy to life on stage will touch audiences and speak to all football fans.”
No dates or locations have been announced, but Cirque du Soleil confirmed on its website that the show will go on an international tour next year.
-
5 museum-grade cartoons about Trump's Smithsonian purgeCartoons Artists take on institutional rebranding, exhibit interpretation, and more
-
Settling the West Bank: a death knell for a Palestine state?In the Spotlight The reality on the ground is that the annexation of the West Bank is all but a done deal
-
Crossword: August 23, 2025The Week's daily crossword puzzle
-
The European Super League: a 90th-minute reprieve?In the Spotlight A European court ruling has potentially breathed new life into the breakaway football league
-
A tale of ‘two World Cups’: Messi, Mbappé and ‘money well spent’ for Qatarfeature Amid sportswashing and human rights concerns, Qatar 2022 ended with the perfect final
-
2022 World Cup final: Argentina vs. France prediction, preview, team newsfeature Mbappé and Messi will go for glory, the golden boot, golden ball, and PSG bragging rights
-
2022 World Cup final: Lionel Messi’s last chance to emulate Diego MaradonaTalking Point Argentina captain is one win away from achieving the ultimate dream
-
Lionel Messi’s World Cup dream: it really is ‘now or never’ for Argentina’s captainfeature After lifting the Copa América in 2021, can he finally add a World Cup winners’ medal to his trophy cabinet?
-
Mason Greenwood: footballer arrested on suspicion of rape and assaultSpeed Read Man Utd confirm the striker will not train or play until further notice
-
Cristiano Ronaldo vs. Lionel Messi: how their stats compare on goals, career stats and awardsIn Depth Portugal star scores 900th career goal but both are facing the challenges of passing time
-
Handball: swapping bikini bottoms for tight pantsSpeed Read Women competitors will be required to ‘wear short tight pants with a close fit’
