Messi attends launch of show inspired by his own life

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Barcelona's iconic Camp Nou stadium played host to an exclusive party to launch the new Cirque du Soleil soccer-themed show “Messi10”, based on the legendary life of the Argentina soccer idol Lionel Messi, on Thursday.

The much-anticipated show will open in October this year and tour the world next year.

The show, directed and created by Mukhtar Omar Sharif Mukhtar, tells the story of a young man with the ambition, sacrifice and determination to overcome any obstacle and become the best “number 10” in world soccer.

Messi and his wife Antonella Roccuzzo pose on the red carpet during a photocall for Cirque du Soleil's latest show "Messi 10" inspired by the Argentinian football star in Barcelona. /VCG Photo

Messi posted on Instagram earlier this week: “I'm very happy and proud that my friends from @CirqueduSoleil thought of me for their new show that's inspired by the passion for football. I hope you enjoy it!”

Messi, 31, along with his wife Antonella Roccuzzo and many of his current and former teammates from the Catalan giants attended the party while Puerto Rican rapper Residente was also present at the exclusive launch.

While talking to the media, Mukhtar mentioned: “I feel really great because we have the opportunity tonight to open up to the world what this project is about, something we have been working out for a while and we are really happy.”

Messi's Barcelona teammate Luis Suarez and his wife Sofia Balbi pose on the red carpet during a photocall for Cirque du Soleil's latest show "Messi 10". /VCG Photo

The talismanic Barca and Argentine legend has won a club record 32 trophies, including nine domestic league crowns and six Spanish Cups plus four Champions League titles till date.

“He still has a lot to show us... There's Messi for a long time,” said Jose Manuel Pinto, the retired Spanish goalkeeper who played with Messi at Barca, lauding the five-time FIFA World Player of the Year.

Argentina-born Messi, who had struggled as a child when he was diagnosed with a growth hormone disorder, had to move to Spain to afford the expensive treatment he needed. At the age of 13 he joined Barca and since then has spent his entire career at the club.

The magnificent show is being produced in association with PopArt Music and Sony Music and will premiere on October 10 in Barcelona.