Messi announces Cirque du Soleil show based on his life

Cirque du Soleil are to create a new show, to launch in 2019, based on the life of Barcelona and Argentina superstar Lionel Messi.

Barcelona captain Lionel Messi.

Barcelona captain Lionel Messi is to be the basis of a new show by Cirque du Soleil.

Messi teased the news on Tuesday by releasing a video of him performing kick-ups with a clown nose on his Instagram page before the announcement was confirmed a day later.

Cirque du Soleil previously produced shows based on The Beatles and Michael Jackson, but Barca and Argentina superstar Messi will now take centre stage.

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"It feels both crazy and incredible that Cirque du Soleil will create a show based on my life, my passion, my sport," Messi said in a statement.

"Cirque du Soleil is a family favourite of ours. I have no doubt this show will amaze people as their shows always do. We are thrilled to be working with such a living legend," added Jonathan Tetrault, president and chief operating officer at Cirque du Soleil. We are convinced that bringing Messi's legacy to life on stage will touch audiences and speak to all football fans."

Cirque du Soleil's Messi show is set to be launched in 2019, with tour dates yet to be confirmed.

View this post on Instagram

Me siento honrado de anunciar la creación de un nuevo show del @cirquedusoleil durante el 2019, basado en la historia de mi vida y la pasión para el fútbol. #MessiCirque /// I am honoured to announce my partnership with @CirqueduSoleil for the creation of a brand-new show in 2019 based on my life and the passion for Football. #MessiCirque

A post shared by Leo Messi (@leomessi) on Oct 10, 2018 at 3:38am PDT