Lionel Messi’s life story is set to hit cinemas in time for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Epic Pictures Group says it is financing and developing a Rocky-style film after buying the rights to dramatise a biography about the Barcelona superstar.

The Beverly Hills-based company says the biopic will chart Messi’s rise from a modest background in Argentina and how he ‘overcame his physical shortcomings to become one of the greatest players of all time.’

Co-founder Shaked Berenson hopes ‘audiences will be uplifted by this incredible tale of fighting for your dreams.’