The Messi Show: Cirque du Soleil break new ground in Barcelona

Leo Messi provides spectacle on and off the pitch. The admiration for the Barcelona forward grows every day, the latest nod towards his grandeur a show produced by the prestigious Cirque du Soleil. Barcelona had to be the venue for the Premiere of the show, inspired by the D10S of football. 

A number of personalities -- not just from the world of football, but from the arts, journalism and even gastronomic worlds -- wanted to be alongside Messi on the night. Leo appeared minutes before nine at night, looking elegant in a black suit and white shirt, accompanied by his wife Antonela Rocuzzo, who also looked stunning. As he commented on the red carpet, the kids were left at home for the night. They will come "on another occasion." All of this after he'd been bombarded by the flashes of the cameras to immortalise the moment. Messi was photographed with Anto but also with those from Cirque de Soleil, PopArt and Sony Music, organisers of the event

Luis Suarez didn't pass through the photocall -- aware that it was Messi's night -- but he was present, with his partner Sofia Balbi. Barça were also represented by various members of the board, led by Josep Maria Bartomeu. Ansu Fati was also there, photographed with his family. Abel Ruiz was present, too.

In awe of Leo

Gemma Mengual, Àlex Corretja, Carlos Latre, Manel Fuentes, Paz Vega, Santi Millán, Alfred, Miki Núñez, Macaco... it doesn't matter their background, they were all in awe of Messi, prasing his way of being, his ability to remain at an elite level for so, so many years as they entered the show which, like a game of football, is broke in to two 45 minutes halves. Once it ended, Messi went on to the stage to greet the performers. There was a tremendous ovation. 

La Liga president Javier Tebas was one of those to speak to press and in comments to SPORT he said he hopes that Messi "continues for many more years" in Spain's top flight. Tebas wanted to, "in the name of football," to Leo for not leaving Barcelona when he had tax problems. "If he had told me that at the moment, I would have been very worried." 

Tebas can relax. Messi's not moving. The Cirque du Soleil show will once it finished at the Parc del Forum in Barcelona. It will later move to Argentina, Messi's homeland, with a venue in Buenos Aires. Only the Barça star can boast of having a show like this from the most recognised company in the business based on his story: a kid that through talent, hard work and sacrifice has made it to the very top. Let the show begin.