Messi bested by locals in 'Nutmeg Royale'

! This advert maybe not available because the video is not working

Football fan or not, you'll probably enjoy this pacey, playful Pepsi pitch starring footie legends Lionel Messi, Paul Pogba and Ronaldhino as they take on local players in a 'Nutmeg Royale' contest. For those of us not familiar with the use of the word 'nutmeg' in football, it means to get the ball through your opponent's legs - an eye-catching manouevre which Messi describes as one of his favourite moves. The term apparently stems from rhyming slang, as in 'through the legs / nutmegs', and there are ongoing rankings of which player has the most scores of this type in any given game, season or team. The quick-moving footage, shot in the spectacular old Medina in Marrakech, Morocco, shows locals out-skilling the golden trinity of Messi, Pogba and Ronaldhino. Quirky twists and visual tricks make it a compelling watch from start to finish, with even a cameo role from the clever hooves of Horshino the Horse, and interjections from familiar sports commentator Peter Drury. "A nutmeg move is for the quick-witted, the ambitious, and fun-lovers that are thirsty for the thrill of the game," says Pepsi. "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." How does the campaign score with you? Meh, good fun, epic win for the soft drinks giant?

Keywords: Pepsi Nutmeg Royale, Pepsi MAX, sports sponsorships, international football, football ads, Ernest Desumbila, Messi commercial, Pogba commercial, Ronaldhino commercial, BBDO Argentina