Lionel Messi Wins Legal Branding Battle with Bicycle Producer 'Massi'

Barcelona star Lionel Messi is no stranger to winning battles on the pitch, and he has now won one off it after a court ruled in his favour amid a branding dispute with bicycle producer Massi.

According to Marca, Messi registered his brand with the European Union Intellectual Property Office in 2011, putting him in conflict with Spanish company Massi—who have manufactured bikes since 1934—and owner Jaime Masferrer Coma.

Reuters' Robert-Jan Bartunek relayed the result of the legal battle, as the EU General Court in Luxembourg ruled in the footballer's favour on Thursday.

The court rejected Massi's argument that the two brands could be confused with one another because Messi's international fame—particularly in sporting circles—ensures he is widely recognised and so the two would not be easily mixed up.

James Crisp of the Telegraph shared a look at the two brands:

As such, it was determined that the forward should be allowed to register his name on sports clothing and equipment.

The court said: "Mr Messi is, in fact, a well-known public figure who can be seen on television and who is regularly discussed on television or on the radio."

Messi is now football's highest earner according to France Football (h/t sports journalist Oma Akatugba):

He is also considered by many to be one of, if not the best player to ever grace a pitch.

The Barcelona star has scored 547 goals in 633 appearances for the Blaugrana, with whom he has won 31 trophies, and he has also netted 61 goals in 123 outings for Argentina.