Lionel Messi – the name alone conjures images of football magic, breathtaking goals, and legendary performances. But when it comes to the commercial world, Messi is just as much a powerhouse. With massive brand endorsements like Adidas, Pepsi, and Gatorade under his belt, Messi's influence stretches far beyond the football field.
In an intriguing revelation, comedian and actor Will Ferrell shared a fascinating tidbit about Messi's work ethic when it comes to filming commercials. Speaking on the Dan Patrick Show, Ferrell recounted a conversation with Steve Carell, who had the chance to meet Messi during a Lay’s potato chips campaign. According to Ferrell, "Apparently Messi has a rule: when he hits the set, you got 30 minutes with Messi, and that’s it."
“Apparently Messi has a rule: when he hits the set, you got 30 minutes with Messi, and that’s it.”
Ferrell humorously described the frenzy of activity that ensues to make sure all Messi’s shots are captured within those precious 30 minutes. As he puts it, if you don’t wrap up in time, “he’s vamos.”
Beyond the pitch, Messi's financial ventures are equally impressive. He's not only earning significant sums through endorsements but also has a vested interest in Inter Miami, with an agreement for an equity stake in the MLS club. Forbes reports that his off-pitch earnings are a staggering $70 million annually.
Moreover, Messi has a lifetime contract with Adidas, which has been a fruitful partnership since 2006. With earnings from this deal alone believed to be around $25 million per year, it's clear that Messi's impact is as substantial in business as it is in sports.