Disney+ Unveiled Teaser for Messi and the Giants
The animated series featuring Lionel Messi as an executive producer will debut globally in summer 2027.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Soccer
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Disney+ released the first teaser for the upcoming animated series Messi and the Giants at San Diego Comic-Con Málaga. The show depicts a 12-year-old protagonist named Leo navigating an alternate reality through soccer-inspired challenges.
Why it matters
The project combines the global sports influence of Lionel Messi with high-profile animation production to target a younger demographic. It represents a significant expansion of sports-themed entertainment into the fantasy genre for streaming audiences.
The teaser presentation reached an audience of more than 3,000 people at the event. The series centers on a 12-year-old character named Leo who utilizes specialized orbs to compete in soccer-themed battles.
The players
Lionel Messi
He is an Argentine professional soccer player who serves as an executive producer for this animated series.
Disney+
This is a global over-the-top streaming service that will host the worldwide debut of the animated series.
Atlantis Animation
This is an animation production studio based in the Canary Islands tasked with creating the series.
Jorge Messi Pérez
He is credited posthumously as an executive producer for his role in the development of the series.
The details
Produced by the Canary Islands-based studio Atlantis Animation, the series follows the lead character Leo as he relies on skill and teamwork to defeat opponents in a fantasy realm. Lionel Messi serves as an executive producer on the show, alongside the late Jorge Messi Pérez.
Timeline
October 2, 2026: Teaser unveiled at San Diego Comic-Con Málaga.
Summer 2027: Global series debut on Disney+ and Disney Channel.
Season Trajectory
This series extends the content diversity of the Disney+ streaming library by integrating sports-legend-backed intellectual property. It signals a move by major streamers to leverage global athlete brands to maintain engagement during the sports off-season.
Viewers can expect the series to be accessible globally via the Disney+ platform, with a domestic U.S. broadcast scheduled for the Disney Channel. This dual-release strategy aims to maximize reach for the sports-fantasy hybrid content across different viewing environments.
The takeaway
The project illustrates the growing trend of athletes moving into executive production roles to build legacy brands outside of active play. Families can anticipate a soccer-themed fantasy narrative that relies on teamwork as a core thematic element.
What happens next
The series is scheduled for a global release on Disney+ and the Disney Channel in summer 2027.
Further reading
For more developments on the intersection of athletics and entertainment, explore the Soccer section.
Live Poll
Do you enjoy watching animated series that feature real-world sports figures?
