Trio Messi Neymar Suarez star on PES 2017 cover

Barcelona’s forward trio Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez have new achievement unlocked. They will feature on the front cover of PES 2017.

Trio Messi Neymar Suarez star on PES 2017 cover

Konami are the famous publishers of the annual football video game. Although it has somewhat fallen under FIFA’s shadow in the past decade. It has just unveiled the Primera Division champions as an official partner ahead of the title’s release only later this year.

Messi has already featured on the front cover of FIFA games for the past four years. But the official partnership looks to have coerced an allegiance switch. Meanwhile, Neymar starred solo on PES 2016 cover.

Real Madrid fans may want to look away with soreness. There will also be a FCB Special Edition of the game. It will be sporting a steel box featuring the emblem and colours of the club.

The special FC Barcelona content will also hit Club Manager, and PES Collection mobile apps, so it’s not limited to PES 2017 on PC and consoles.

“This is a real statement of intent for us,” explained Tomotada Tashiro, President of Konami Digital Entertainment B.V.

“By working closely with a team of Barcelona’s stature we can introduce the PES series to a huge global fan base.

“This partnership will deliver access to the very best players in the modern game and to one of the world’s most respected and ambitious clubs.

“The PES series is famed for its realism and control, so the fit between such a skilled team and a game that celebrates such ability is perfect.”

But enough about that marketing speak. Because Konami has also shared a boatload of amazingly lifelike new images of the FC Barcelona team and the Camp Nou stadium.