Argentinian goal-scorer Lionel Messi, who had a few great chances to score yesterday in the World Cup final against Germany but did not do so, has been named the FIFA 15 global cover star. Though the 27-year-old ultimately came up short in the World Cup final, he is widely considered to be one of the world's best players. He was named Man of the Match four times and scored that many times during his nation's run to the finals.

Messi is no stranger to the cover of FIFA games. After all, the Barcelona striker was featured on the global cover of past games like FIFA Street (2012), FIFA 13 (2012), and FIFA 14 (2013). This is his fourth consecutive appearance as FIFA's global cover athlete. FIFA 15 will also have regional cover stars, though these have not been announced yet.

FIFA 15 launches September 23 in North America, September 25 in Europe, and September 26 in the UK. If you preorder the game, you'll be instantly upgraded to the Ultimate Edition, which includes various FIFA Ultimate Team digital bonuses.

This year's professional soccer game from EA Sports makes new strides in the area of authenticity. The developer promises that FIFA 15 will offer a "whole new level of visuals," with things like new character models and body rigging, visible breathing (you'll see a player's chest pulse as he breathes), and hair movement. Player jerseys in FIFA 15 will become dirty with mud and grass as matches unfold, and cleats and slide tackles will leave marks on the field.

All of this is made possible thanks to FIFA 15 running on the EA Sports Ignite engine, the same technology that powered this year's stunningly beautiful--but flawed--fighting game EA Sports UFC.