Messi’s wine-and-Sprite combo ripples through Coca-Cola stocks

ATLANTA: In an interview released on 7 January 2026 on Luzu TV, the Argentina football legend revealed he likes to mix wine with Sprite, explaining that the fizzy blend helps him unwind in the Miami sun. “I like wine, but if not, I have my usual: wine with Sprite. So it hits fast, haha,” Messi said, adding with characteristic humour that he enjoys solitude amid the chaos of family life.

The quip has had an unforeseen corporate impact. Since Messi’s comment went public, shares in Coca-Cola,  the maker of Sprite, have climbed around 5 per cent, equivalent to roughly $12.9 billion in market value, according to Day Trading, a financial news platform. The surge is being linked to the positive attention and a wave of consumer curiosity, with fans reportedly heading to shops to replicate the unusual mix.

This is not the first time a football star’s off-hand remark has swayed Coca-Cola’s fortunes. At Euro 2020 in June 2021, Cristiano Ronaldo’s public dismissal of the brand’s product allegedly knocked about $4 billion off its market value.

Messi’s revelation has also stirred debate among food and drink enthusiasts. Pedro Cuccovillo Vitola, executive producer at Aiims Creator Hub, tried the blend, combining wine and Sprite over ice in a wine glass. He said the carbonation softened the alcohol’s edge, making it “surprisingly pleasant” and worth sampling.

Whether the drink becomes a trend or remains a quirky footnote, Messi’s influence on both culture and markets is once again undeniable.