Lionel Messi, considered by many as the most successful footballer ever, is the latest world-known personality to step into the hot field of fan tokens. The PSG megastar has collaborated with the crypto fan token firm – Socios.
Global Ambassador as a new title for superstars
Argentina striker Lionel Messi has signed a contract worth more than $20 million with digital fan token company Socios.com, reported by Reuters, to represent the company as a global ambassador. However, the three-year deal does not include any form of cryptocurrency transactions.
The news came after David Beckham and Naomi Osaka, the four-time Grand Slam champion, joined DigitalBits and FTX, respectively, as Global Ambassadors, as covered earlier by CryptoPotato.
Socios’ press release revealed that Messi, whose move from Barcelona to Paris St Germain in August included a cryptocurrency payment as a signing bonus, will be “involved in an advertising and promotional campaign for Socios in preparation of the Qatar World Cup, which begins in November.
The company, which has partnered up with more than 130 football clubs and leagues for fan tokens, introduced the star as its first global ambassador in a tweet and changed its Twitter Bio to “Lionel Messi Approved.”
Messi said in a statement that he was proud to join Socios’ mission and to have helped create a more connected and rewarding future for fans around the world.
The Rise of Fan Tokens
Sports clubs issue fan tokens, allowing holders (usually fans) to vote over certain listed decisions as dictated by the team. Perceived by many clubs as a new stream of revenue, fan tokens exist as a new way of integrating cryptocurrency with sports.
Despite the growing interest in these assets, Socios has drawn criticism lately. The company’s relationship with the Chiliz (CHZ) cryptocurrency project has sparked controversy, as users must redeem CHZ tokens in exchange for any fan coin listed on the platform.
Earlier this month, the founder of Socios, Alexandre Dreyfus, was accused of price manipulation, as he failed to pay advisors in CHZ for maintaining the price not plummeting from high selling pressure.
