EA Sports has drafted Lionel Messi to be the face of its FIFA franchise, first set to appear on the cover of FIFA Street when it launches in March 2012.
Messi plays for Barcelona, is 24 years old, was drafted out of Argentina at 16 and has scored more than 200 goals in his professional career -- he's kind of a soccer superhero, which makes his photo (left) on the cover of FIFA Street disappointingly lackluster. Especially when this is an alternative.
Messi has signed a multi-year endorsement contract with EA Sports, so there will be plenty of opportunities for more action-packed game covers, probably featuring him screaming at something.