Messi delivers skilful kick of playfulness in 'Superior Beach' Super Bowl ad

Like the song asked, 'What happens when two worlds collide?' In this case the worlds of US football - heavy body and head protection against crashing tackles - and non-US football (aka soccer) - flamboyant footwork and even more flamboyant haircuts. This year's Super Bowl football event in the US brings the usual slew of slick commercials tackling each other for top slot in the eyeballs and memorability rankings. Most rely on celebrities and/or humour to boost their performance. In this campaign, famed quarterback Dan Marino makes a cameo appearance as does comedic actor Jason Sudeikis, but it's living legend Lionel Messi who grabs the attention ball and runs with it. The Argentine professional footballer, 36, plays as a forward for and captains both Major League Soccer club Inter Miami and the Argentina national team, but he shot to stardom in Europe, at top clubs FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). Many of us know that Messi's no stranger to advertising, and usually shows up with a trademark touch of light humour as he effortlessly outshines all challengers. What do you think of this campaign? Just right for a sporting event that gathers family/friends like no other? Oh, it's for Michelob Ultra light beer, btw. Some Super Bowl campaigns have come in for some criticism for being over-'worthy' at a time when people just want to kick back and enjoy the game.

Keywords: Michelob Ultra 'Superior Beach' Michelob Ultra x Messi, Super Bowl commercials 2024, Dan Marino in ad, American football, football stars in ads, Wieden+Kennedy NY