Messi defects from PES to FIFA

Barcelona and Argentina football star Lionel Messi has been signed by EA as its new global face of the EA Sports FIFA franchise”.

The move is all the more significant as superstar Messi has in recent years been the face of rival Konami’s PES series.

Messi’s first FIFA appearance will be as the cover star of the upcoming FIFA Street. In addition to this the nippy forward will become a cornerstone” of the brand’s marketing efforts.

EA said of the deal: "The biggest transfer deal this football season sees the FIFA Ballon d’Or 2010 winner transfer to EA Sports and make his debut in March, 2012 on the cover of FIFA Street."