PSG Star Lionel Messi Signs $20M Deal with Crypto Fan Firm Socios

  • Lionel Messi has signed a $20 million deal with Socios to promote Fan token.
  • Fan tokens are cryptocurrencies that allow holders to vote on club decisions.
  • Socios had early deals that include creating tokens for over 130 sports organizations, including some top soccer clubs such as PSG, Barcelona, Juventus, and Manchester City.

Paris St. Germain star Lionel Messi has signed a $20 million contract to promote crypto fan company Socios. The 34-year-old is the latest sports star to join the crypto world, following NFL quarterback Tom Brady and NBA superstar LeBron James. The deal is part of a growing wave of tie-ups between soccer and crypto companies.

According to Socios, Paris St. Germain and Argentina forward Messi, who moved from Barcelona in August, the deal includes a cryptocurrency payment. The move also involves a publicity and promotion campaign for Socios in the build-up to the Qatar World Cup, which starts in November.

The representative deal for Messi does not include crypto payments and is a three-year agreement, the source said.

Socios have signed deals, including creating tokens, for over 130 sports organizations including some top soccer clubs such as PSG, Barcelona, Juventus, and Manchester City.

Fan tokens are cryptocurrencies that allow holders to vote on mostly minor decisions connected to their clubs.

 Messi said in the statement,

Fans deserve to be recognized for their support. They deserve opportunities to influence the teams they love. Socios.com exists to enhance the fan experience, to enable fans to ‘be more. I’m proud to join Socios.com’s mission to create a more connected and rewarding future for fans around the world.

In January, LeBron James announced a multi-year collaboration with Crypto.com, a firm that recently signed a sponsorship deal with world soccer’s governing body FIFA.