Soccer superstar Lionel Messi is coming to Fortnite later tonight, Epic Games has confirmed.
After spotting the outfit among the update 33.10 game files, it has since been confirmed that the Argentina and Inter Miami forward will be getting his very own item shop bundle as part of the next shop update.
For US fans, Lionel Messi has a December 13 release date and a 7pm ET release time. For UK players, this means Lionel Messi can be purchased from midnight GMT on December 14.
The Lionel Messi skin will be available individually, or as part of a bundle containing various items.
First up is the Lionel Messi Outfit, which transforms into Stealth Lion Messi and Gold Lion Messi when using the Mane Event emote.
Epic explains more: “Embody the spirit of soccer’s ferocious competitor in a transformative Outfit that changes from Messi’s look on the field to his inner champion.”
That’s on top of the Streetwear Spark Messi Outfit, which dresses the footballing icon up in a hoodie and jeans.
According to Epic Games, the Streetwear outfit features reactive elements as he “sprints through the game”.
As mentioned above, fans can also grab the Mane Event emote, as well as the #1 Fan Llama Emote.
Speaking about his inclusion in the game, Messi said: “It’s amazing to see myself represented in Fortnite.
“Growing up, I never imagined something like this would be possible. Soccer has always been about joy and connection, and now fans can experience that through my own outfits in a way that goes beyond the field. I hope they have fun!”
It’s unclear how much the Lionel Messi outfit and bundle will cost, but expect it to be priced around 2,000 V-Bucks. Daily Express has contacted Epic Games for confirmation.
The release of the Messi skin comes at the end of a busy few weeks for Fortnite and its companion game modes.
In the past few weeks alone, Fortnite fans have been treated to a Juice WRLD concert, the launch of Fortnite OG, the release of the game’s first-person Ballistic mode and LEGO Fortnite Brick Tales.
LEGO Fortnite Brick Tales is described as a social role-playing experience that takes place in an ever-evolving city.
According to Epic Games, players will be able to go to band practice at the beach, learn spells at a Hogwarts style school, and even go clubbing at a rooftop bar.
It’s kind of like GTA Online, only without the violence!