Having appeared on the cover for Pro Evolution Soccer a good few consecutive years, Barcelona striker and Argentinian international, Lionel Messi has signed a multi-year contract for EA Sports, seeing him transfer from Konami's footballing franchise to become the global face of FIFA.

“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, VP and GM of Football for 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.”

Messi will become the cornerstone for FIFA marketing campaigns, advertising and social media events, as well as appearing as the new cover star for FIFA titles, starting with FIFA Street in March 2012, which should make a nice change from Rooney's mug and earn Messi a crapload of extra moolah in the process. Because if there's one thing football stars need, it's more cash. Check out the Messi FIFA Street screens and announcement vid below.