\
LIONEL MESSI is set to battle the likes of Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal in a star-studded event.
The inaugural Hexagon Cup padel tennis tournament proved a huge hit earlier this year.
And with the 2025 edition set to get underway on the 31 January, several high-profile sports stars have confirmed their involvement.
Tennis legends Murray and Nadal, Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski and actress Eva Longoria all have teams backed by them.
Now Messi is joining in with the help of Premier League icon Sergio Aguero.
Their Kru Padel side will be represented by Federico Chingotto and Claudia Jensen in the competition.
The name comes from the Kru Esports team that Messi and Aguero co-own.
Aguero said: “We are incredibly excited to expand Kru into such a dynamic sport as padel.
“Hexagon is a platform that is taking this sport to another level, and we’re here to compete and give our best.
“The names joining our team, including two outstanding Argentinians, speak for themselves.
FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS
“Talented players who make us proud, and we are pleased to support their professional development.”
The Hexagon Cup will take place in Madrid.
Each team is made up of three pairs that compete in men’s, women’s and next gen matches.
After round robin qualifying, the best teams go through to the semi-final and then go for glory in the final.
Messi’s venture into padel tennis is his latest business move after launching a global content production company named 525 Rosario.