Argentinian soccer superstar Lionel Messi will play the role of godfather for Royal Caribbean's newest and largest ship, the Icon of the Seas, although the line is giving him a contemporary title.
Messi, one of the greatest soccer players of all time, has been named the "Icon of the Icon" and will take part in the naming ceremony for the ship on Jan. 23 in Miami.
Messi is an eight-time winner of the Ballon d'Or player of the year award and Time's 2023 Athlete of the Year. After leading Argentina's national team to a FIFA World Cup title in 2022, he transferred to Inter Miami CF of Major League Soccer in 2023, becoming the highest-paid and most decorated player in that league's history.
"It's that ability to make such a widespread impact and change the status quo that the Icon of Icon must personify, and Lionel Messi has proven to be the perfect example of that for years in the world of sports and most recently in introducing a new era of excitement and passion for fútbol in Miami and the U.S," said Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International.
Royal Caribbean, which launched in Miami more than 50 years ago, became the main partner and official vacation partner of Inter Miami CF in August. Royal has a presence in the team's stadium through in-game content, stadium LED and social media platforms. Royal and the soccer club plan to announce an evolution of that partnership at a later date.