Hollywood actor Will Ferrell has provided insight into the professional demands of football icon Lionel Messi, specifically regarding his conduct during commercial filming. According to Ferrell, the Inter Miami superstar adheres to a strict 30-minute time limit when on set. If the required shots are not completed within this half-hour window, Messi will leave, regardless of the status of the production.
Ferrell shared this detail after speaking with actor Steve Carell, who had collaborated with Messi on a campaign for Lay’s potato chips. While Carell participated in the foreign campaign, Messi was featured in the domestic version. Ferrell recounted the experience on the Don Patrick Show, noting that because of the strict time constraint, the set was characterized by a frantic pace of activity to ensure all necessary footage was captured before the footballer's departure. Ferrell remarked, "When he hits the set, you got 30 minutes with Messi, and that’s it. So there was a frenzy of activity to hurry up and get all the shots with Messi; otherwise, he’s out. He’s vamos."
Messi’s influence in the commercial sector is significant, with Forbes estimating his annual income from sponsorships, brand endorsements, and commercial appearances to be approximately $70 million, contributing to a total annual income of around $140 million. His portfolio includes major global brands such as Adidas, Pepsi, Michelob ULTRA, Louis Vuitton, and Apple. He has also collaborated with prominent figures like Tom Holland for a Spider-Man project and appeared alongside David Beckham, Thierry Henry, and Steve Carell in the "No Lay's No Game" campaign.
In separate news regarding his professional commitments, Major League Soccer has confirmed that Messi will not participate in the 2026 MLS All-Star game against Liga MX, scheduled for Wednesday, July 29, at Bank of America Stadium. Following his participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, both Messi and teammate Rodrigo De Paul have been granted additional recovery time. The league stated that, consistent with agreements made between MLS and the MLS Players Association, clubs were permitted to hold individual discussions with players regarding their return to competition following the World Cup. Consequently, both players have been excused from the All-Star match.
Apparently Messi was in, and Messi has a rule: when he hits the set, you got 30 minutes with Messi, and that’s it.
He’s vamos.”Per Forbes, Lionel Messi makes around $70 million annually from commercial shoots, sponsorships, and brand endorsements.
