Pepsi Max football ad stars Messi, Pogba and Ronaldinho

As the World Cup kicks off, Pepsi Max has dropped its Nutmeg Royale football ad. Centred around the beautiful game’s craftiest move, the carbonated-drink giant has delivered an action-packed, star-studded campaign under its new international tagline ‘Thirsty For More’.

Leading with an epic hero film, fans can see the world’s all time football great and seven time Ballon D’Or winner - Leo Messi - alongside iconic players - Paul Pogba and Ronaldinho - take part in their toughest match to date. Outwitting each other, as well as unsuspecting locals alike, the elite football stars battle it out in a sensationally entertaining nutmeg tournament. The fast-paced action movie-style ad is packed with cameos, trick shots and Pepsi Max’s signature humour, all to one of the most iconic football soundtracks of Fatboy Slim’s infectious ‘The Rockafeller Skank’. Adding to the legendary line-up, football influencers Luva de Pedreiro and Kaljit Atwal can also be spotted showcasing their trademark skills.  

Speaking on the new campaign, Pepsi Max’s senior director, global marketing, Gustavo Reyna says: “A nutmeg move is for the quick-witted, the ambitious, and fun-lovers that are thirsty for the thrill of the game. Creating entertaining moments for our consumers to enjoy is at the core of who we are at Pepsi Max. It’s this unexpected fun that we really wanted to shine through in everything we do. With this film and the upcoming moments we have planned, we’ve done just that!”

The ad is peppered with pop-culture references,  such as retro video game motifs, that bring to life the universality of the game. Viewers may also recognize the jersey worn by players, which pays homage to the iconic 2002 Pepsi Max football jersey, which is a nod to the brand’s long and unparalleled impact on football culture. Fans watching closely may notice a hidden code they need to scan to be in with a chance of getting their hands on an exciting new launch from Pepsi Max, set to drop in the coming weeks too.

Commenting on the ad, Messi said: “It’s great to be back working with Pepsi Max and creating entertaining football moments for fans. I had a lot of fun shooting this campaign - it’s highly-energetic and allowed me to showcase one of my favourite football skills - the nutmeg!”

Pogba said: “This is one of my favourite Pepsi Max campaigns that I’ve worked on yet! Everything is centred around the nutmeg football trick, which is cool and fun – two things I’m all about. If you are Thirsty for greatness, you have to take risks. This film is for the everyone with that Thirsty mindset, ready to play hard and make exciting things happen!”

Ronaldinho added: “I always have a great time working with Pepsi Max and wearing that iconic blue jersey. I know fans will love this new campaign, and I can’t wait for them to see the upcoming nutmeg activity we have planned too!”