- Argentine is one of game’s all-time greats and won 2022 World Cup as captain
- His latest venture sees him enter the winemaking industry with MM Winemaker
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We all know Lionel Messi has an eye for goal, with the Argentine icon scoring 856 times in a glittering career.
But it turns out the diminuitive star has an eye for a good grape too, following the launch of his surprise venture into the winemaking industry.
The high-end Lionel Collection features two unique varieties, Syrah and Primitivo, and both are adorned with the words GOAT 10.
And unsurprisingly, given the nature of some of Messi’s mesmerising dribbles and spectacular long-range goals, the wines are of the highest quality.
The collection is exclusively produced in the Italian regions of Campania, Puglia, and Sicily in collaboration with the prestigious MM Winemaker.
The boozy offering seems certain to have wine enthusiasts and Messi fans alike rushing to grab a bottle, especially given that every item on offer is decorated with a special image of the World Cup-winning star.
Lionel Messi has ventured into the wine world, launching two exclusive bottles
They make up the Lionel Collection and each bottle is adorned with the words ‘GOAT 10’
The Argentine is one of the game’s all-time great and currently plies his trade at Inter Miami
The Lionel Collection was showcased earlier this month at a wine fair in Zurich, Switzerland, and MM Winemaker said during the launch: ‘We are very pleased with the outcome of this collection, which pays tribute to a true legend and combines exceptional quality with our rich winemaking heritage.
‘Each bottle is crafted with great care and precision, making it not just a beverage, but also a collectible masterpiece for our customers.’
Meanwhile, Messi promoted the collection on his social media yesterday, saying: ‘Some of you have been asking about these unique wines we’ve created with MM Winemaker.
‘Here you have a limited special edition: two premium wines with collectible bottles that you simply cannot miss. Have you tried them yet?’
The forward previously collaborated with the winemaker last November, launching a range of red wines and promoting them on his Instagram.
Messi joins the likes of David Beckham, John Terry, Roberto Carlos and Ronaldinho in promoting alcoholic drinks during or after their football career.
The 37-year-old is currently playing for Inter Miami in the US and has 21 goals in 22 games this season.
Messi pictured drinking wine with David (fourth from right) and Victoria Beckham (third from left) and Sergio Busquets (third from right)
He achieved his dream of lifting the World Cup with his national team at Qatar 2022
In a trophy-laden career, Messi has won four Champions Leagues (pictured: the 2015 final)
Messi is Argentina’s record scorer with a whopping 109 goals in 187 matches and proudly lifted the World Cup as captain of his country in Qatar in 2022.
He nabbed 672 goals for Barcelona in 778 matches before moving to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021.
In a trophy-laden career, Messi has won the Copa America twice, the Champions League four times, La Liga 10 times, and Ligue 1 twice.
He has also picked up the Ballon d’Or eight times, most recently in 2023.