Mastercard announced a sponsorship with UEFA Champions League tie with the upcoming “Walk out With Messi” sweepstake, which give young football fans an opportunity to walk out with Lionel Messi.

For a chance to win, entrants will need to log-in into Mastercard’s Priceless website for the chance to win their child an opportunity to walk out with Messi during the second leg of the Round of 16 Champions League tie between Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain, played on 8 March, 2023.

Lionel Messi said that walking onto the pitch before a UEFA Champions League match is a unique experience and is excited to work with young mascots.

“No matter how many times I do it, it never gets old. I am always so happy to share that feeling with the young mascots, and only hope that the experience gives them belief, in themselves, in the beautiful game, and in the power of chasing their dreams,” Messi said.

The competition will strengthen Mastercards’ longstanding link with European football’s top competition, as the firm looks to provide unique activations for the partnership.

In addition to the ‘Walk out With Messi’ competition, the Paris Saint-German Football Club (PSG) and Messi unveiled a new player mascot kit which will be worn by mascots during the Champions League Knockout Stage, which kicked off 14 February.

Commenting on the partnership, Mastercard Europe’s marketing and communications senior vice president, Jeanetter Liendo said she that Mastercard is a proud sponsor to offer one young fan a chance to walk onto the pitch in their new player mascot kit, hand in hand with the most inspirational player of all time.

“Nothing inspires a life-long passion for football quite like a standout experience, whether that’s watching your team win a nail-biting final, witnessing your favourite player score a worldly, or meeting a footballing hero,” Liendo said.

The Mastercard mascot kit will be worn throughout the rest of competition and holds a 65% smaller carbon footprint made from previous editions, with the shirt and shorts made up of recycled fabrics, using 90% less water and 70% less energy.

This announcement comes after Mastercard has announced the launch of a new fundraising campaign supporting Save the Children.