Lionel Messi indicators $20m cope with crypto agency Socios to advertise digital fan tokens report

Lionel Messi has signed an settlement value greater than $20 million to advertise digital fan token firm Socios.com, a supply near the deal informed Reuters on Tuesday.

Messi turns into the most recent international sports activities character to enter the crypto world, following Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady and Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James. Messi’s deal additionally comes amid a rising wave of tie-ups between crypto companies and soccer.

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Messi, whose transfer from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain in August included a cryptocurrency payment, might be concerned in a publicity and promotion marketing campaign for Socios within the build-up to the Qatar World Cup, which begins in November.

The “ambassador” deal for Messi doesn’t embrace crypto funds and is a three-year settlement, the supply mentioned.

Socios have signed offers, together with creating tokens, for greater than 130 sports activities organisations together with quite a lot of prime soccer golf equipment similar to PSG, Barca, Juventus and Manchester City.

Fan tokens are a sort of cryptocurrency that permit holders to vote on principally minor choices associated to their golf equipment.

“Followers should be recognised for his or her help. They deserve alternatives to affect the groups they love,” Messi mentioned within the assertion.

“Socios.com exists to reinforce the fan expertise, to allow followers to ‘be extra’. I am proud to hitch Socios.com’s mission to create a extra linked and rewarding future for followers around the globe.”

The tokens are more and more seen by golf equipment as a supply of latest income however have been criticised by some supporters teams who see their introduction as superficial participation that provides to the already rising prices of following their groups.

Brady final 12 months took an undisclosed fairness stake in crypto trade platform FTX Buying and selling Ltd and have become an envoy for the corporate.

In January, James introduced a multiyear partnership with Crypto.com, an organization who not too long ago signed a sponsorship cope with world soccer’s governing physique FIFA.