Alex Morgan, Christine Sinclair to feature on “FIFA 16” cover alongside Lionel Messi

Electronic Arts announced on Monday that U.S. Women’s National Team forward Alex Morgan and Canadian women’s national team captain Christine Sinclair will be the first women to appear on the cover of the company’s iconic FIFA video-game series, when they join superstar Lionel Messi on the 2016 editions in the United States and Canada.

“It is an incredible honor to be one of the first women featured on the cover of EA SPORTS FIFA,” said Morgan in a press release. “I know people all over the world play this game and I’m really excited that FIFA 16 is putting such an important spotlight on women’s soccer.  And now to share the cover with today’s greatest player is surreal.”

Women’s soccer will feature in FIFA 16 for the first time in franchise history. Fans will be able to represent 12 women’s national teams in Kick Off, an Offline Tournament, and Online* Friendly Matches.

+READ: FIFA 16 video game to feature women for first time in franchise history

“This year’s World Cup showcased the unbelievable talent and skill in women’s soccer,” said Sinclair.

“I’m thrilled that EA SPORTS is celebrating female athletes in FIFA 16. To be featured in the game and to promote women’s soccer with Alex is really special and another exciting step for women in sports.”

EA calls FIFA 16 “a balanced, authentic, and exciting football experience that lets fans play their way.” The game will be available starting September 22, 2015 in North America on Origin™ on PC, Xbox One, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft, Xbox 360® games and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®4 and PlayStation®3 computer entertainment systems.