Press Release

FOOTBALL LEGEND LEO MESSI TEAMS UP WITH CIRQUE DU SOLEIL

AND POPART MUSIC FOR THE CREATION OF A NEW SHOW

INTERNATIONAL TOUR WILL LAUNCH IN 2019

Argentinean football player and FC Barcelona star Leo Messi, Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group and PopArt Music announce their partnership for the creation of a brand-new show to be launched in 2019, in association with Sony Music. Created by Cirque du Soleil, the show will draw its inspiration from the incredible talent and accomplishments of the football legend, who embodies the unique spirit and values of his sport.

“It feels both crazy and incredible that Cirque du Soleil will create a show based on my life, my passion, my sport”, expressed Leo Messi. “Cirque du Soleil is a family favorite of ours. I have no doubt this show will amaze people as their shows always do.”

After paying homage to some of entertainment’s greatest artists, such as The Beatles, Michael Jackson and Soda Stereo, Cirque du Soleil will leap into the passionate world of football. The show will celebrate Messi’s legacy in Cirque du Soleil’s signature way, highlighting the rich culture that makes this sport the most popular worldwide.

“We are thrilled to be working with such a living legend. As a world leader of live entertainment, Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group is becoming the go-to creator of original content and experiences for the world’s top brands,” says Jonathan Tétrault, President and Chief Operating Officer at Cirque du Soleil. “We are convinced that bringing Messi’s legacy to life on stage will touch audiences and speak to all football fans. Together with PopArt Music and Sony Music, we have the chance to transcend the sport and present it in a totally new form to inspire the world.”

“It is an honor for PopArt Music to work on a new project with Cirque du Soleil and Leo Messi. I have no doubt that the creation quality of Cirque du Soleil will be able to artistically translate the unparalleled talent that Messi displays in each match, with the incredible music from the artists of Sony Music, directed by my talented friend Afo Verde.” says Sergio Lavié, co-founder at PopArt Music. “I am sure that this show will break all records, in the same way that Messi does in football.”

“Leo Messi inspires the world with his outstanding talent not only in every game he plays but also with his deeply human qualities. It is an honor for us at Sony Music to team up with the prestigious Cirque du Soleil and PopArt Music on this fantastic project. We strongly believe that this show will be enjoyed by sports and art lovers all over the world.” - Afo Verde, Chairman & CEO Sony Music Latin Iberia.

More information on the tour stops and dates will be released at a later date.

www.cirquedusoleil.com/messi             #MessiCirque

About Cirque du Soleil

Originally composed of 20 street performers in 1984, Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group completely reinvented circus arts and went on to become a world leader in live entertainment. Established in Montreal, the Canadian organization has brought wonder and delight to over 190 million spectators with productions presented in close to 450 cities in 60 countries. Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group currently has over 4,000 employees, including 1,400 artists, from nearly 70 countries.

Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group creates content for a broad range of audacious projects. On top of producing world-renowned shows, the organization has extended its creative approach to a large variety of entertainment forms such as multimedia productions, immersive experiences, theme parks and special events. Going beyond its various creations, Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group aims to make a positive impact on people, communities and the planet with its most important tools: creativity and art. For more information about Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group, please go to cdsentertainmentgroup.com.

About PopArt Music

PopArt Music is a leading business group formed by professionals with more than 20 years of experience in the music industry, who has worked with several of the most important artists in the world. They fully develop concerts, theatrical shows and events throughout Latin America. In addition, PopArt Music has developed, together with its clients, new concepts and strategies for their brands, generating a strong bond and long-term relationships. PopArt Music partnered for the first time with Cirque du Soleil in 2015 for the creation and production of Séptimo Dia-No Descansaré, celebrating the music of the argentinean iconic band Soda Stereo that toured Latin America in 2017 and 2018, selling more than 1.5 million tickets.

About Sony Music Entertainment

Sony Music Entertainment is a global recorded music company with a current roster that includes a broad array of both local artists and international superstars. The company boasts a vast catalog that comprises some of the most important recordings in history. It is home to premier record labels representing music from every genre, including Arista Records, Arista Nashville, Beach Street Records, Black Butter Records, BPG Music, Bystorm Entertainment, Century Media, Columbia Nashville, Columbia Records, Day 1, Descendant Records, Disruptor Records, Epic Records, Essential Records, Essential Worship, Fo Yo Soul Recordings, House of Iona Records, Insanity Records, Keep Cool, Kemosabe Records, Legacy Recordings, Masterworks, Masterworks Broadway, Ministry of Sound Recordings, Monument Records, OKeh, Polo Grounds Music, Portrait, RCA Inspiration, RCA Nashville, RCA Records, Relentless Records, Reunion Records, Sony Classical, Sony Music Latin, Star Time International, Syco Music and Verity Records. Sony Music Entertainment is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America.

Contacts:

Genevieve Laurendeau

Cirque du Soleil

Genevieve.Laurendeau@cirquedusoleil.com 

Denise Cancian

PopArt Music - Urban Grupo de Comunicación

messicirque@urbancom.co