Lionel Messi’s meticulous approach to his commercial commitments has been revealed by Hollywood actor Will Ferrell, who says the Argentina captain follows a non-negotiable rule with every step he takes on a filming set.According to Ferrell, Messi allowed the production crew just 30 minutes to complete each scene involving him before leaving, even after filming was over.The insight emerged through fellow actor Steve Carell, who recently appeared alongside the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner in a global advertising campaign.
Will Ferrell revealed the tight deadline for filming Messi
Ferrell shared the story in an appearance on: The Dan Patrick Showwho explained that he learned about Messi’s filming routine from Carell after the pair worked on different versions of the same commercial.“I talked to Steve Carell, who Messi met,” Ferrell said.“I’m on the domestic campaign for Lay’s potato chips; Steve’s on the foreign campaign.”Carell appeared alongside Messi in Lay’s recent ‘No Lay’s No Game’ campaign, which also stars David Beckham, Thierry Henry and Spain midfielder Alexia Putellas.According to Ferrell, everyone involved in the production knew how much time they had with the Argentine captain.“Obviously Messi is there, and Messi has a rule: if he hits the set, you get 30 minutes with Messi, and that’s it.”Ferrell added that the deadline created a frenetic atmosphere behind the scenes.“So there is a frenzy of activity to rush and get all the shots with Messi; otherwise, he doesn’t exist. Vamos him.”While Messi has yet to publicly address the reported rule himself, Ferrell’s account offers a unique look at how one of the world’s most accomplished athletes manages his commercial schedule.
Lay’s star-studded campaign
Messi’s latest appearance has arrived in Lay’s worldNo Lay’s No Game’ campaign, which brings together several big names in football with Hollywood actor Steve Carell.The ad centers on a football watch party hosted at David Beckham’s home, with Messi arriving carrying bags of Lay’s crisps before greeting guests, signing autographs and sitting down to watch the match.Although the commercial appears relaxed on screen, Ferrell’s comments suggest that Messi’s behind-the-scenes filming process was carried out under a tightly controlled timetable.
One of the most in-demand sporting ambassadors in the world
Messi has remained one of the most recognizable commercial figures in sport throughout his career, making him one of the most sought-after athletes for advertising campaigns in the world.Over the years, he has appeared in campaigns for brands including Adidas, Pepsi, Michelob Ultra, Gatorade and EA Sports.His long-standing relationship with Adidas remains one of football’s most valuable endorsement deals.
Shoppers walk by an Adidas sportswear store displaying a poster of Argentine football star Lionel Messi during an event promoting the FIFA World Cup held at an outdoor shopping mall, in Beijing, Sunday, June 21, 2026. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)
After leaving Nike in 2006, Messi signed with Adidas before agreeing to a lifetime partnership with the German sportswear company in 2017.According to previous reports from: Forbes:the agreement is worth an estimated $25 million per year.
Record earnings continue on and off the pitch
Messi’s commercial success mirrors his earnings as a player.He remains the highest paid player in Major League Soccer after signing a new three-year contract extension with Inter Miami.Figures released before that extension showed Messi received a base salary of $12 million and guaranteed annual payments of $20.4 million.However, Inter Miami managing owner Jorge Mas has since indicated that Messi’s total package is much higher when equity arrangements and commercial agreements are included.Speaking earlier this year, Mas said the Argentina captain was worth the club between $70 million and $80 million per year.“The reason that I need to have sponsors and for them to be world class is because the players are expensive,” said Mas.“I pay Messi—which is worth every penny—but it’s $70 to $80 million a year. More than anything else.”That package includes not only his football salary but also club equity and various contractual bonuses.away from football Forbes: previously estimated Messi’s annual off-field income at approximately $70 million through sponsorships, endorsements and commercial partnerships.