Lionel Messi was featured on the cover of Konami’s Pro Evolution Soccer 2011.
The Argentine forward appeared as the game’s cover star during his time with FC Barcelona. PES 2011 was released in 2010 and was the tenth main installment in Konami’s Pro Evolution Soccer series.
The game expanded its licensed competitions, including the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League, and added fully licensed versions of the Copa Libertadores and UEFA Super Cup. Messi’s presence connected the title’s marketing with Barcelona’s global popularity and the player’s rapidly growing reputation.
Players sometimes confuse this cover with nearby editions in the series. PES 2010 featured Messi alongside Fernando Torres, while PES 2012 used Cristiano Ronaldo as its primary worldwide cover athlete. PES 2011’s cover therefore points specifically to Messi.