Fintech Football: Into the Messiverse

Snoop Dogg, Paris Hilton, and Lionel Messi, what do they all have in common? They have all hopped on the NFT train. In our new Fintech x Football series, we’ll explore the peculiar and unlikely relationship between football and fintech starting with the Messiverse.

The Messiverse of Madness

We’ve all heard of the multiverse, now it’s time for the Messiverse. With such an original name, you would never guess who is involved in this! Lionel Messi, the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner, launched his NFT collection (Messiverse) which celebrates Messi’s achievements throughout his career. The ArtTech collection-designed by digital designers; Bosslogic and Impossible Brief and promoted on Ethernity Chain’s platform. This is just another way that shows the flexibility of fintech and how it slithers its way into new areas.

Inside the collection

Bosslogic has created three of the four artworks in the Messi collection; Man from the Future, Worth the Weight, and the King Piece. Impossible Brief designed the final artwork titled The Magician which immortalizes Argentina’s victory against Brazil in Copa America.

NFTs & Fans

Because NFTs are a unique and one-of-a-kind type of asset, they are not on the cheap side. And when NFTs or anything really is endorsed or linked to a celebrity, the value of these items skyrockets. So why would people spend so much on digital art where they can also download it for free?! I mean Messi’s ‘The Golden One' was sold for $1,128,815.

Well, because you will be the sole owner of an original work of art, you’re basically making a digital investment. It’s the same thing as if you but an original tangible piece of work. You can buy it and still make a profit as it grows in value.

Celebrity NFTs create a new way to connect with fans and gives celebrities a marketing boost. Not that Messi was suffering in that department anyway! But NFTs could also come with an added bonus for the fans like offering a meet-and-greet.

Another appeal for NFTs is authenticity. Through blockchain technology, blockchain platforms make it easier to check and track an item’s authenticity and ownership. Thus, ensuring that you’re investing in the right asset. It is really like any physical art investment minus the hassle of dealing with counterfeits.

Messi is not the first and probably won't be the last athlete to join the NFT clan. It's not just individual athletes, but now many sports club like Manchester City has also become part of the NFT space. I mean, the NFT space offers both connection and monetary value, why would it not be appealing!