Tag: Lionel Messi

  • Kingfisher revamps O la la la leo with football stars

    Kingfisher revamps O la la la leo with football stars

    MUMBAI: When football meets flavour, you get Kingfisher’s latest twist on a classic. Kingfisher premium packaged drinking water has reinvented its signature O la la la leo jingle in a lively acappella format, enlisting Argentina’s football legends Lionel Messi, Emiliano Martinez, Enzo Fernandez and Nicolas Tagliafico to turn music into motion.

    The campaign, created by Ogilvy, ditches instruments entirely, layering beatboxing, humming, whistling and harmonies to celebrate Kingfisher’s globally recognised anthem of good times. Fans and players share the spotlight in a split-screen spectacle, syncing ball tricks to rhythm in a seamless dance of sport and sound. From high-energy dribbles to perfectly timed passes, every move echoes the jingle’s infectious beat, uniting football and music in a festival of flair.

    “This campaign marks an exciting step in Kingfisher’s global journey,” said United Breweries Limited chief marketing officer Vikram Bahl. “By bringing our signature jingle into international football, we are connecting with audiences in a way that is both playful and powerful. Sport and music speak the same language, and together, they create unforgettable experiences.”

    AFA chief commercial and marketing officer Leandro Petersen added, “The acappella treatment combined with our players’ energy reflects the vibrancy and passion that define football. It’s a celebration of rhythm, unity and joy.” Ogilvy South chief creative officer Puneet Kapoor summed it up, “What started as India’s party soundtrack is now a global groove, uniting fans, friends and football legends. When O la la la leo drops, it’s a signal to Messi, Tagliafico, Fernandez and Martinez to raise their glasses and let the good times roll.”

    The brand film will be streamed across Meta, Youtube and television, bringing this high-octane, rhythm-packed experience to football enthusiasts and Kingfisher fans alike, proving that good times can now be scored in goals and grooves alike.

  • Shubman Gill turns up the heat with Beats’ fiery ‘Burn Bright’ campaign

    Shubman Gill turns up the heat with Beats’ fiery ‘Burn Bright’ campaign

    MUMBAI: Gill’s got game, and now, he’s got Beats to match. Beats has unveiled its latest campaign, ‘Burn Bright’, starring Indian cricket sensation and brand ambassador Shubman Gill, alongside the brand’s flagship workout earbuds, Powerbeats pro 2.

    For Gill, training isn’t just routine, it’s ritual. “Training is where I build my game. It’s quiet, focused, and personal. Having the right sound with Beats helps me lock in and zone out the noise,” he said. “Beats isn’t just about music, it’s about bold energy and staying true to yourself. I’m proud to bring that spirit to this campaign.”

    The Powerbeats pro 2 are built with athletes in mind, boasting heart rate monitoring, active noise cancellation, transparency mode, adaptive EQ, and up to 45 hours of battery life with the case. They also support Qi wireless charging and come in four bold shades, jet black, quick sand, hyper purple, and electric orange, retailing at Rs 29,900 on apple.com/in.

    Beats, chief marketing officer, Chris Thorne said Gill embodies more than cricketing skill. “Shubman is more than just a cricket star. He represents a new generation of athletes who bring style, substance, and individuality to everything they do. This campaign is a celebration of his precision, passion, and the powerful role music plays in his mindset both on and off the pitch.”

    ‘Burn Bright’ is the latest in a series of global campaigns featuring sporting icons, joining a roster that already includes Lionel Messi, LeBron James, Erling Haaland, Kobbie Mainoo, Qinwen Zheng, and Lamine Yamal.

    With Gill fronting the campaign, Beats is betting that cricket’s rising flame will keep glowing, and burning bright.

  • adidas releases limited edition Lionel Messi F50 Triunfo Dorado

    adidas releases limited edition Lionel Messi F50 Triunfo Dorado

    Mumbai – adidas has launched the limited-edition Lionel Messi F50 Triunfo Dorado pack. Engineered for game-changing speed, the boots will be worn by Messi as he looks to add more accolades to his glittering career this summer.

    For the first time ever, the boots available for retail include some of the exact, unique design specifications Leo chooses for his own on-pitch footwear, enabling fans to get closer than ever to the feeling of emulating the GOAT on the pitch.

    . The closure of the ‘burrito’ style tongue is adapted to Leo’s preferred fit and has been engineered with knit material for maximum comfort.

    .  The Hybrid Touch upper updates the recently released inline F50 with a synthetic suede and foil material with soft haptic designed for vamp stability and comfort when touching the ball at speed.

    .  Consistent with the other existing F50 releases, the boots sit on a Sprintframe 360 soleplate, specifically designed to provide optimised stability and traction. The heel counter on the soleplate works harmoniously with a stud configuration of rounded and bladed studs for foot steadiness at push-off – all working in tandem to help facilitate multidirectional speed and acceleration.

    Following the return of the F50 franchise earlier this month, the visual design of the Triunfo Dorado is inspired by one of the franchise’s most iconic boots – the F50 Prime. The Prime was originally released in season 2014/15, a season in which Leo won the League, Cup and UEFA Champions LeagueTM treble while breaking the all-time record for goals scored in the Spanish top division (43 in 38 appearances – and 21 assists.)

  • Adidas unites its biggest icons to help disarm negative pressure in sport through new global brand campaign

    Adidas unites its biggest icons to help disarm negative pressure in sport through new global brand campaign

    Mumbai: adidas unites its biggest sporting icons from across the world in its latest campaign, to create a positive rallying cry to help everyday athletes believe they can overcome pressure and achieve their possibilities in sport.

    The new global brand campaign is driven by feedback and insights from consumers around the world that for many people, negative pressure can affect their enjoyment of sport. To help address this over the course of the campaign, adidas will release a wide range of athlete stories, insights from experts and guidance materials – all designed to help athletes at any level to disarm pressure in sport.

    Alongside one of the biggest spectacles in the sporting calendar – the brand kicked off the campaign with a film featuring Pat Mahomes, Trinity Rodman, Lionel Messi, Linda Caicedo, Jude Bellingham, Anthony Edwards, Rohit Sharma, and the New Zealand Rugby All Blacks, dedicated to celebrating athletes dealing with pressure.

    Set against the timeless and iconic anthem, ‘Under Pressure’ by Queen ft. David Bowie, the new film spotlights everyday athletes experiencing the weight of expectation and what is possible when they silence its impact with the joyous rallying cry – ‘You Got This.’ The 90-second film climaxes with a tribute to adidas’ star-studded roster performing at the top of their game during some of their most high-stakes sporting moments.

    From Jude Bellingham scoring in his UEFA Champions League debut campaign for Real Madrid, to Emily Malewski flawlessly executing her beam dismount at the 2022 German Championships – each athlete showing how they handle pressure to help inspire everyday athletes to do the same.

    To bring to life how elite athletes manage pressure and to provide tangible guidance to all athletes, adidas has partnered with neuro11, a group of leading sport neuroscientists. By capturing brain readings from grassroots athletes, alongside elite adidas athletes – Emiliano Martinez, Ludvig Adberg, Nneka Ogwumike, Rose Zhang, and Stina Blackstenius – this part of the campaign shows the mechanics of how the world’s best overcome in-game pressure.

    Talking about pressure in his game, Rohit Sharma shared, “Challenges are part and parcel of an athlete’s life. These are opportunities to learn and grow. But converting challenges to opportunities takes a tremendous amount of will power and guts. You really need to push yourself and say, “You Got This.” I have had that attitude all my life and it has enabled me to manage pressure every time I am pushed out of my comfort zone.”

    Speaking on the new brand campaign, adidas global brand comms VP Florian Alt said, “In a year of unmissable sport, where our adidas family will undoubtedly inspire a new wave of athletes across the globe, we have created a campaign to help young players confront a universal barrier – pressure. Our new campaign is designed to help bring the joy back to sport and equip all athletes with a simple message; You got this.”

    The campaign will be complemented by an ongoing content series featuring athletes across a wide range of sports, as well as events and activations for consumers to take part in. A dedicated global multiplatform media investment will see the campaign reach consumers all over the world, including spectacular out-of-home executions in major cities and high relevance localisations.

  • Saudi Tourism launches latest ‘Saudi, Welcome to Arabia’ campaign starring Lionel Messi

    Saudi Tourism launches latest ‘Saudi, Welcome to Arabia’ campaign starring Lionel Messi

    Mumbai: Saudi’s national tourism brand ‘Saudi Welcome To Arabia’ has kicked off another global marketing campaign featuring football legend and Saudi Tourism Ambassador, Lionel Messi.

    Launching across key target markets in Europe, India and China, the “Go Beyond What You Think” campaign is anchored on consumer insights, which revealed there are still common misconceptions about the destination, and invites audiences to experience the incredible and vibrant cultural transformation taking place across Saudi. Those who know Saudi are encouraged to share positive experiences and memories on TikTok and social channels using the bi-lingual hashtags #ShareYourSaudi and in Arabic #السعودية_بعيونك,.

    The latest ‘Saudi Welcome to Arabia’ brand campaign is a combination of TV, Social, Digital, and OTA tactics activated over three months. It is the latest in a series of initiatives by Saudi Tourism to foster the broadening of perspectives and bridging cultures through tourism.

    The campaign brings to life the UN Tourism, ‘Tourism Opens Minds’ Initiative that launched on World Tourism Day in Riyadh in September 2023, which extends a compelling invitation for travellers to broaden their horizons and explore uncharted corners of the world. Governments and Industry were presented with a special pledge, calling on them to promote new and under-appreciated destinations while consumers pledged to ‘be open-minded to new cultures and destinations, holding an open heart while travelling’

    Lionel Messi is one of many leading international figures who took that pledge. Messi has a fond connection with Saudi being a frequent visitor to the country, including most recently with his wife, Antonella and two children last Spring. Both Messi and his family have expressed delight in their Saudi experiences and a desire to continue visiting the country.

    Boldly addressing these misconceptions head-on, the campaign’s powerful call-to-action encourages visitors to discover the unexpected beyond outdated stereotypes, with a hero video featuring Messi breaking down metaphorical ‘walls’ of various misconceptions about the country.

    The video showcases Saudi’s diverse locations, weather and terrain – from the pristine waters of the Red Sea to the lush green mountains in Aseer, snow-covered Tabuk, the coastal city of Jeddah and Riyadh, the bustling capital. In celebration of Saudi’s activities and attractions, the Messi campaign highlights the Diriyah E-Prix, Riyadh Season’s theme park rides, AlUla’s hot air balloon flights and MDL Beast music events.

    The campaign also places a spotlight on Saudi’s open and welcoming culture and the importance of inspiring young Saudi women to reach their full potential. Messi celebrates the Saudi women who have been trailblazers in their fields and led Saudi’s cultural transformation such as the Saudi Women’s National football team, motorsport athlete Dania Akeel, DJ Cosmicat, and Rayyanah Barnawi, the first Saudi woman in space.

    Of note, the campaign is launching ahead of Messi’s imminent and much-anticipated Saudi return playing two matches with his current Club, Inter Miami, against Al Nassr on 1 February and against Al Hilal on 29  January.  

  • Sourav Ganguly opens up on Sachin’s superiority on the “Champions Sports-Cast” hosted by DreamSetGo

    Sourav Ganguly opens up on Sachin’s superiority on the “Champions Sports-Cast” hosted by DreamSetGo

    Mumbai: With the ICC WorldCup & Football fever picking up once again, DreamSetGo hosted an interview starring former Indian Cricketer Sourav Ganguly at the “Champions Sports-Cast” hosted by DreamSetGo founder Monish Shah.

    He spoke on leadership, Sachin Tendulkar, His love for the game, His inspirations – Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev & Allan border & a certain football icon, the legendary Maradona.

    Speaking at the Champions Sports-Cast podcast hosted by DreamSetGo, Ganguly spoke about his friendship with Tendulkar, “I first met Sachin when he was 14 years old at the MRF pace academy & over time we would go on to spend 6-7 months in a year together and developed a close friendship and trust over time. As a cricketer, he was a far superior cricketer than me, and that is something I strongly believe in. , To raise your game, you must partner with those better than you and we continue to be very close friends.”

    As a lifelong fan of legendary footballer, Maradona, Ganguly shared, “I remember I first met him at an interview he was doing with the media and I’m not exaggerating one word when I say it was a 20-minute interview and through it all, he was juggling a ball with his left leg and didn’t drop it once.  I’ve seen Messi, Ronaldo & even Pele play but Maradona was special, he was blessed by the Almighty.”

  • adidas celebrates Messi’s World Cup career; presents ‘The Impossible Rondo’

    adidas celebrates Messi’s World Cup career; presents ‘The Impossible Rondo’

    Mumbai: To commemorate the career of football player Lionel Messi, adidas releases “The Impossible Rondo,” the newest chapter in its “Impossible is Nothing” story, ahead of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

    Football fans worldwide will be excited to see Messi pitted against himself in the movie, complete with his haircuts, Argentina shirts, and adidas boots over 18 years and five tournaments.

    The film was created using the most recent advances in artificial intelligence and visual effects to bring the magic of Lionel Messi’s World Cup career to life. Messi’s historical and current footage were used to create different, de-aged versions of him. This was then applied to body doubles, allowing us to create Messi versus Messi, in which he prepares for the World Cup alongside versions of himself from 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2018.

    adidas will continue to celebrate its global football family throughout the tournament with iconic player moments, global social media activations, and the creation of the ‘Al Rihla Arena,’ an official adidas fan zone on-the-ground in Qatar, having already shared its “Family Reunion” film and “The Impossible Rondo” with fans.

  • Adidas football family reunite ahead of FIFA 2022

    Adidas football family reunite ahead of FIFA 2022

    Mumbai: Ahead of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, Adidas unveils the next chapter of its “Impossible is Nothing” story with its global football family. The brand kicks off a month-long campaign with a family reunion like no other, featuring Lionel Messi, Karim Benzema, Achraf Hakimi, Son Heung-Min, Jude Bellingham, Pedro ‘Pedri’ González López, Serge Gnabry, and Stormzy.

    The playful spot celebrates the unified joy of football, which brings together players and fans from all over the world. With a selection of the world’s greatest football stars unexpectedly reuniting and displaying their excitement and unique pre-tournament preparations, the film is inspired by the attitude that “when football is everything, impossible is nothing.”

    Also featuring and narrated by football superfan Stormzy, the film combines football culture, world cup nostalgia, and unique player personalities—all with a shared love for the game.

    Designed to be watched again and again, each scene features subtle nods to memorable moments, players, and places to help build anticipation for the endless possibilities of the month ahead. These include framed family photos, fridge magnets, postcards, and cross-stitch wall hangings, plus so much more.

    Further to this, with a full month of unmissable moments undoubtedly ahead, Adidas will continue to celebrate its global football family throughout the tournament with iconic player moments, global social media activations, and the creation of the ‘Al Rihla Arena’ – an official Adidas fan zone on-the-ground in Qatar. The immersive experience will give fans the opportunity to watch every game live, test their skills on the specially designed pitch, be in with a chance of meeting their favourite football legends, and capture a range of content through augmented reality.

    Speaking about the reunion, Adidas vice president of global brand communications Florian Alt commented, “There is a rare moment, once every couple of years, at the beginning of the World Cup when it truly feels like impossible is nothing. A time when players and fans come together, united by the belief that they will bring the trophy home.”

    “During the next month, we’ll see new players break onto the scene, an underdog beat the odds, unbelievable goals, and widespread celebrations taking place across the globe. It’s precisely that spirit that our campaign hopes to inspire in fans around the world,” added Alt.

  • Viacom18 Sports announces content lineup for FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022

    Viacom18 Sports announces content lineup for FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022

    Mumbai: Viacom18 Sports has announced an expansive content lineup offering viewers compelling storytelling around famous rivalries, revered heroes, seminal moments, and the stories of ardent FIFA World Cup fans in the run-up to the 2022 edition, which will be held in Qatar from 20 November to 18 December.

    The programming on Sports18-1 and JioCinema began with FIFA World Cup 2022: Road To Qatar, a 16-episode show profiling the 32 teams qualified for the World Cup. Through shows like Football Goal’D Super 16 and The Fantastic Lives of Footballers, the build-up programming includes the on-field and off-field exploits of World Cup superstars such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Neymar Jr., Kylian Mbappe, and many more.

    Viacom18 Sports will provide a platform for die-hard football fans by producing original content. Flavours of Football in India will take viewers through unheard and extraordinary fan stories from the country’s football hotbeds. Football Adda, a Bengali chat show centred on the FIFA World Cup, will give state fans a platform to support their favourite teams and players.

    Viacom18 Sports content head Siddharth Sharma said, “The FIFA World Cup is a total communal experience, and we want to offer content that brings everyone across the country together to enjoy the world’s greatest show.”

    He further said, “Our programming across five languages will cater to a wider audience and complement the never-seen-before extensive live coverage of the event on JioCinema, which is now available to download for all telecom subscribers.”

    The likes of Patrick Kluivert, R Ashwin, Yuvraj Singh, Jonty Rhodes, Shane Bond, Scott Styris, Brad Hodge, and Chirag Shetty, among others, recall their favourite FIFA World Cup moments in Hero Speak for sports fans to enjoy. All of the captivating content will be spread across JioCinema, Sports18 – 1 SD & HD, and Sports18 Khel.

    The pre-game and post-game shows on the Viacom 18 Sports network will also feature well-known World Cup heroes and provide an in-depth preview and analysis of all 64 games. All viewers can watch the global marquee competition on JioCinema from 20 November through 18 December, inclusive. Sports18 – 1 SD & HD and Sports18 Khel will both be broadcast on TV.

  • Byju’s ropes in Lionel Messi as global brand ambassador

    Byju’s ropes in Lionel Messi as global brand ambassador

    Mumbai: Byju’s has roped in global sports icon Lionel Messi as the first global brand ambassador. The football player will be the face of its social impact arm, ‘Education For All.”

    Messi, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain and captains the Argentinian football team, has signed an agreement with Byju’s to promote the cause of equitable education. The long-term engagement will see him featured in campaigns promoting the initiative.

    This association with one of the world’s most popular sportspersons is in sync with Byju’s expanding global footprint and its commitment to make education accessible, equitable, and affordable for all.

    Football has roughly 3.5 billion fans worldwide, and Lionel Messi has a social media following of nearly 450 million. Byju’s sees Lionel Messi as “the greatest learner of all time,” whose passion for continuous learning has redefined the meaning of what is possible in football.

    Byju’s believes Messi will be an ideal mentor for hundreds of millions of young people around the world through his unwavering work ethic, study of the game, and love for learning.

    Commenting on this partnership, Byju’s co-founder Divya Gokulnath said, “We are honoured and excited to collaborate with Lionel Messi as our global ambassador. He is a once-in-a-generation talent whose pursuit of excellence, all-in mentality, humility, and reliability resonate deeply with Byju’s brand values. He rose from the grassroots to become one of the most successful sports figures ever. That is the kind of opportunity that Byju’s “Education For All” wants to create for the nearly 5.5 million children it currently empowers. No one represents the power of enhancing human potential more than Lionel Messi. It is not really surprising that the greatest player of all time is also the greatest learner of all time. I am sure this partnership will inspire millions of people around the world to dream bigger and learn better. As football fans know, with Messi on your side, anything is possible.” 

    Lionel Messi too expressed confidence that his partnership with Byju’s “Education For All” will inspire young learners across the world. He said, “I chose to partner with Byju’s because their mission to make everyone fall in love with learning perfectly aligns with my values. High-quality education changes lives, and Byju’s has transformed the career paths of millions of students worldwide. I hope to inspire young learners to reach and remain at the top.”