Inspired by street soccer styles and stars from around the world, EA Sports FIFA Street will be built to the level of quality and depth that millions of FIFA fans have come to expect from the EA Sports FIFA development team.

Electronic Arts has signed the world's top soccer player, Barcelona and Argentina superstar Lionel Messi, to a multi-year endorsement contract that will see him become the global face of the EA Sports FIFA Soccer franchise. The biggest transfer deal this 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.

"Our FIFA franchise is the number one selling sports videogame franchise in the world, and Lionel Messi is the number one player in the world, so this agreement is a true partnership of superstars," said Matt Bilbey, Vice President and GM of Soccer, EA Sports. "With Messi on our team we have the world's best and most exciting player to help EA SPORTS maintain its global leadership in the years ahead."

"I want to be part of the team behind the best sports game in the world and be associated with the great EA Sports name," said Messi. "EA Sports is a brand that shares my values of creativity, excellence and social responsibility."

Playing for FC Barcelona, Messi received the prestigious FIFA Ballon d'Or 2010 award as the top soccer player in the world, was UEFA Champions League Top Goal Scorer the past three years, is the three-time La Liga Player of the Year, and has made the shortlist for the 2011 FIFA Ballon d'Or. At just 24, Messi has scored over 200 goals in all competitions and currently sits second in the rankings of Barcelona's all-time leading goal scorers. He has scored 27 goals and 14 assists in 29 games this season in all competitions.

The multi-faceted partnership will see Messi become an EA Sports Ambassador. He will become the cornerstone of marketing and advertising campaigns, featured on packaging, and utilized in social media activities around the world for the critically acclaimed FIFA Soccer franchise. EA Sports will also team up with the Leo Messi Foundation to support social, educational and health care related initiatives for children around the world.

Whether performing one panna after another without breaking a sweat the way street soccer is played in Amsterdam, or a physical, fight-for-possession style the way players compete in London, fans will enjoy a superior fidelity of ball control and responsiveness than anything ever experienced in a soccer videogame. Plus, for the first time ever, utilize aerial skills to maneuver past opponents, an all-new sophisticated one-touch passing system for quick, precision passes, and over 50 never-before-experienced skill moves.

Play with and against the stars of the most popular clubs in the world—or real-life street players—and compete at more than 35 locations around the world. From one-on-one battles in parking lots and parks to prestigious 5v5 tournaments on the streets of the world’s biggest cities, FIFA Street will replicate the unique street soccer style. Plus, it will featurea host of modes and online features that will be revealed in the months ahead that will make the game a social, connected experience.

FIFA Street will be connected to EA Sports Football Club, so from the first nutmeg on, gamers will be contributing to their Football Club identity.