Official: Barca star Lionel Messi wins 9-year legal battle to trademark his surname

Lionel Messi has won a legal battle against Spanish cycling brand Massi over trademark rights related to his surname and own logo.

The Argentine applied to trademark his surname as a sportswear, footwear and eequipment brand in 2011.

The owners of Massi, however, disputed Leo's attempt as Messi's brand would lead to 'confusion among customers', as Sky Sports put it.

The European Court of Justice dismissed Massi's appeal on Thursday, naming the reputation of the Barcelona captain as the relevant factor in distinguishing the two brands.