Lionel Messi strikes new sponsorship deal with surprising beer brand

The Inter Miami superstar continues his partnership with the former Anheuser-Busch, becoming the ambassador to one of its biggest brands.

As one of the most sponsored athletes on Earth, it's no surprise that Lionel Messi has become the ambassador of a new brand. This time, the Inter Miami star is taking his ties to AB InBev (brewer of Budweiser) a step further, becoming the official representative of Michelob ULTRA.

Messi's relationship to Budweiser dates back to September of 2020. In December of that year, midway through his last season at Barcelona, 160 goalkeepers were sent 644 bottles of beer for conceding one of Lionel Messi's Bara goals.

AB InBev has taken advantage of 'promoting' the soccer superstar as the face of one of its beers just months before one of his last big international events. On Monday the AB InBev (formerly Anheuser-Busch) brewing company announced that it will be the Official Beer Sponsor of Copa Amrica USA 2024, one of several marquee soccer events that will taking place in the United States.

On Monday, Michelob ULTRA's social media accounts announced the signing: «We're excited to announce that Leo Messi is officially joining #TeamULTRA in 2024! We can't wait to watch him tear up the pitch as one of our official athletes!»

This upcoming summer could also mark Messi's last participation is a major tournament for Argentina, making the occasion even more special.

While Michelob ULTRA is only one of the brewing company's many staples, its popularity has risen as of late. In February of 2021, Las Vegas' Mandalay Bay resort signed a multi-year naming rights deal to call its popular entertainment venue the Michelob ULTRA Arena.