Cirque du Soleil dedicates show to Messi

The talent with which Lionel Messi dazzles the world will take an artistic flight in a new Cirque du Soleil show dedicated to the Argentine soccer star which will go on tour in 2019.

Lionel Andrés Messi Cuccittini is known as the Argentine professional footballer who plays as a forward and captains both Spanish club Barcelona and the Argentina national team

The show, created by Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group in association with PorArt Music and Sony Music, will be inspired by the gifts of the Barcelona striker and his sporting achievements, the Canadian art company announced on Wednesday.

"I find it incredible and at the same time crazy that Cirque du Soleil  is creating a show based on my life, my passion, my sport,"  Messi said in statements reproduced in the letter. "It is very exciting ... and to think about showing something of mine was incredible."

"It will be a surprise because I have seen the things they do, they are wonderful and I am very happy," added the five-time winner of the Golden Ball in a video recorded for the project.

The countries and dates of the international  tour will be announced later.

With its vibrant shows, Cirque du Soleil has paid homage to artists such as the Beatles, Michael Jackson and Soda Stereo. This time, the show will delve into the world of sports that more fans mobilize around the world.

According to Jonathan Tétrault, president and director of operations of Cirque du Soleil, "giving life to Messi’s legacy on stage will thrill audiences" and is an "opportunity to transcend the sport and present it in a totally new way to inspire the world" .

Originally composed of 20 street performers in 1984, Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group reinvented circus arts and live entertainment. The organization, established in Montreal, has had productions in 60 countries.

PopArt Music, which performs concerts, festivals and theatrical shows in Latin America, was associated for the first time with Cirque du Soleil in 2015 to create "Séptimo Día-No Descansaré", a show with the music of the emblematic Argentine rock band Soda Stereo that was presented in ¨Panama and Latin America between 2017 and 2018.