GOAT to Web-Slinger: Lionel Messi Takes the World of Spider-Man with Tom Holland | Today’s news
In one of the most unusual entertainment crossovers of the year, Argentine soccer legend Lionel Messi appeared alongside Tom Holland in a promotional video for ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’.
Lionel Messi x Tom Holland for Spider-Man have the internet divided
The upcoming Marvel Cinematic Universe movie is set to hit theaters in late July. Promotional clip with the title SPIDER-MAN: A BRAND NEW DAY – Messi Super Fanwas released by Sony Pictures and quickly gained traction across social media platforms. It’s safe to say that it elicited hilarious reactions from both football fans and Marvel fans alike.
The short opens with Holland as Peter Parker sitting in a New York deli talking to someone on the phone. The scene takes an unexpected turn when Messi walks through the door, prompting Parker to be visibly stunned to recognize one of football’s living legends.
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After introducing himself, Parker asks Messi what brings him to the deli. The football player, playing himself, reveals that he is looking for Spider-Man. Parker took the opportunity to apologize, change into his Spider-Man suit and return to accompany Messi on a tour of New York City. The light-hearted promotional spot concludes with the pair soaring between Manhattan skyscrapers in classic Spider-Man fashion.
The crossover comes as Messi continues to compete with Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while Sony and Marvel ramp up their global marketing campaign ahead of the film’s release. Industry observers have noted that the collaboration represents a rare convergence of two of the world’s most iconic brands: international soccer and superhero film.
Internet reactions
The video’s release sparked thousands of reactions online, with fans expressing surprise at seeing the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner enter the Spider-Verse.
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One fan joked: “Messi will definitely be back in… Avengers Doomsday (sic)”
Another wrote: “So jealous of that random guy who met messi bro (sic)”
A third added: “Messi being Spider Man’s biggest fan wasn’t on my bingo card (sic)”
Others embraced the humor of the crossover, with one viewer commenting: “I guess you could say Peter’s life is a bit messi (sic)”
Another fan referred to the long-awaited Rockstar Games title, writing: “Before gta 6 we got messi in spider-man (sic)”
Some viewers also pointed out Peter Parker’s willingness to reveal his secret identity with one commenting: “Peter was willing to reveal his identity to 2 people he barely met before MJ (sic)”
Another praised the creative approach of the campaign, saying “when the director of the film has a great sense of humor (sic)”
Messi’s underrated performance has also become a topic of discussion online. One fan commented: “I love how Messi doesn’t understand anything Tom says 😭😂 (sic)”
Others compared the cameo to Marvel’s own story twists. “Messi’s cameo was more unexpected than any Marvel twist 😂 (sic),” wrote one user.
Another added: “Messi is done with football… now collecting Marvel portraits (sic).”
Another reaction read: “Messi doing side jobs and scoring the most goals in WC 😂😂😂 (sic)”
More about Spider-Man: Brand New Day
Spider-Man: Brand New Day is set to become the 38th installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and marks Tom Holland’s fourth solo outing as Peter Parker following the success of Spider-Man: No Way Home in 2021. The film is directed by Destin Daniel Cretton and written by Chris McKenna, Erik Sommers and Justin Kuritzkes.
Alongside Holland, Zendaya, Sadie Sink, Jacob Batalon, Jon Bernthal, Tramell Tillman, Michael Mando and Mark Ruffalo star.
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The story follows Peter Parker as he continues to anonymously protect New York after the events of No Way Home, while facing a powerful new threat and dealing with the potentially dangerous evolution of his superpowers.
Production of the film took place between August and December 2025, with filming taking place in Glasgow, other locations in the United Kingdom and at Pinewood Studios in England.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day is scheduled for release in the United States on July 31, 2026 as part of the sixth phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
