Lionel Messi the new face of PES

The Argentinean forward will appear on the box of PES 2009.

Konami has announced that the Barcelona and Argentina forward is the new face of PES and will be appearing on the box art of all versions of PES 2009. Messi will also feature in promotional materials for the game.

"Lionel Messi is an incredibly exciting player, and one who enjoys a world-wide reputation for skill, pace and all-round ability," said Jon Murphy, PES European Team Leader for Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH. "As such, he is the ideal player to front PES 2009, and his enthusiasm for the new game is certain to shine as we work closely together in the promotion of what will be the most advanced PES title to date."

Konami has also released a Lionel Messi specific game trailer, which you can view here.

Konami will be announcing more info on the game and additional player contributions to PES 2008 in the coming weeks.

PES 2009 is scheduled for an Autumn 2008 release on Xbox 360, PS3, PS2, PC and PSP. The Wii edition will follow in spring 2009.