Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho and Paul Pogba for Pepsi

Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho and Paul Pogba partner with Pepsi

Pepsi has dropped the new video for their global brand campaign Thirsty For More featuring football stars Lionel Messi, Paul Pogba, and Ronaldinho.

Centered around a key move of the game Nutmeg Royale, Pepsi has put out its first advertisement under their new international tagline.

In Nutmeg Royale everything and everyone is fair game. A move meant for people willing to take the risk who need a thrill-chase. This move will require a good dose of confidence, skill and impeccable timing.

The elite football stars battle it out in a nutmeg tournament, outwitting each other and unsuspecting locals.

The big soda corporation, taking their world of football culture, has melded it together with the world of entertainment in this star-studded campaign.

Thirsty For More is the overarching attitude shared between consumers and brands that inspires people to experience new, adventurous, and unexpected things.

Seven-time Ballon D’Or winner Lionel Messi gets distracted by a fan offering him a Pepsi, resulting in him getting ‘megged.’

From local passersby to news channels around the world, the unexpected football fun kick-started by the global football stars Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho and Paul Pogba grabs everyone’s attention.

Social media networks such as Facebook and Twitter exploded as verified football journalist Fabrizio Romano shared his thought’s on it.

Paul Pogba and Ronaldinho show their nutmeg skills in a showdown that is delivered with the voice of iconic sport commentator Peter Drury who is shocked to see the football stars being nutmegged by locals.

“Pepsi brand has always connected with fans through our shared passions, like music and football, both of which allow us to celebrate and have fun with our consumers across the Middle East.”

“We’re excited to launch the ‘Nutmeg Royale’ film, as football season begins. Football brings us all together, across generations and borders, to share a love of the game, and the ‘Nutmeg Royale’ film captures this spirit.” said CEO of PepsiCo Middle East, Aamer Sheikh.

From start to finish, Ernest Desumbila’s film is layered with football culture references, highlighting football’s universal appeal.

The jersey worn by players pays homage to the iconic 2002 Pepsi football jersey, which is a nod to the brand’s long and unparalleled impact on football.

“It’s great to be back working with Pepsi 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 favorite football skills – the nutmeg!” said Lionel Messi.

“This is one of my favorite Pepsi campaigns that I’ve worked on yet! Everything is centered 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!” said Pogba.

We can’t wait for this partnership to produce exciting results for Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho and Paul Pogba!