Lionel Messi is stepping onto the virtual playground of Fortnite. Epic Games has officially scheduled the much-anticipated Lionel Messi × Fortnite collaboration to release on December 13, 2024. The announcement has created waves of excitement among global football fans and gaming.This partnership marks a major break in Fortnite’s history of collaborations. The launch of the collaboration was posted on the official X (formerly Twitter) handle of Argentina's football team, @AlbicelesteTalk. Below is what the post was captioned:"JUST IN: Lionel Messi × Fortnite is releasing tomorrow! Full bundle: 2,800 V-Bucks - 2 skins: 1,800 & 1,500 V-Bucks - 2 emotes - 2 pickaxes: 800 V-Bucks each"Fans excited about Messi x Fortnite collaborationFans have been quick to express their excitement over social media platforms. A fan posted:"Damn for the first time I'm gonna have to put some money on this game"Others also weighed in on the X post by All About Argentina. Below are what some of them had to comment:"Fortnite always brings some crazy stuff", declared a fan."Messi in Fortnite? Fortnite keeps pulling these surprises out of nowhere.", stated another."Just bought PS5 Fortnite edition can’t wait to get this", commented a third."I guess I'll have to play Fortnite for the first time ever.", expressed @JustAGuyWithARFID."He will be the most skilled character in history", lauded @LeoBeck.The buzz around the collaboration is enough to guess that Messi x Fortnite will be a memorable crossover. The gaming community is also speculating about possible themed updates that could come with this collaboration. It could be Messi-themed rewards or challenges.The Messi Bundle: What is Included?The Messi x Fortnite bundle sports multiple themed items. It ranges from outfits to emotes. Players can now bring Messi's signature style to their gameplay. The items will be available in the in-game store and can be purchased using V-Bucks, Fortnite’s virtual currency.Listed below are some of the items featured in the partnership pack:Messi Outfit 1: Includes a LEGO style, back bling, and an emoticon for 1,800 V-Bucks.Messi Outfit 2: Features LEGO style with a backpack accessory for 1,500 V-Bucks.Two Pickaxes: Priced at 800 V-Bucks each, these items sport Messi-inspired designs.Emotes: Two exclusive Messi emotes, starting at 400 V-Bucks.Full Bundle: For 2,800 V-Bucks, players can grab all Messi-related itemsWhile the visuals of the outfits remain under wraps, fans can expect an accurate digital rendition of Messi's appearance.Earlier, Lionel Andrés "Leo" Messi made waves by appearing as a playable character in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II and Warzone. Now, as he joins forces with Fortnite, the Argentine footballer follows other sports stars like Neymar Jr., Harry Kane, LeBron James, and Patrick Mahomes.