Will Ferrell reveals Lionel Messi's strict 30-minute rule for commercial filming

Actor and producer Will Ferrell recently revealed a strict professional protocol followed by football star Lionel Messi during commercial film shoots. Speaking on the Dan Patrick Show, citing information from colleague Steve Carell, Ferrell explained that the Argentine athlete limits his availability on set to exactly 30 minutes. This rule is applied consistently across his high-profile endorsement partnerships with global brands such as Adidas, Pepsi, Michelob Ultra, Gatorade, and EA Sports.

The disclosure surfaced following the filming of a Lays potato chips advertisement titled 'No Lay’s No Game.' The commercial featured notable figures including David Beckham, Thierry Henry, Alexia Putellas, and Steve Carell. According to Ferrell, the production crew faces significant pressure to capture all necessary footage within the designated half-hour window. Once the 30-minute limit is reached, Messi immediately departs the set, regardless of the remaining production needs. This efficiency highlights Messi’s status as a highly sought-after commercial figure who maintains rigid control over his time commitments while fulfilling his extensive sponsorship obligations.