Did Messi earn $15m by appearing in 'Spider-Man' teaser? Viral claim sparks debate
The claim has circulated widely online and in international media, but fact-checkers say there is no verified evidence supporting the reported figure.
Lionel Messi has become the centre of an online conversation after claims emerged that the Argentina captain earned $15 million for a brief appearance in a promotional teaser for "Spider-Man: Brand New Day".
The report, which spread rapidly across social media, has been cited by several entertainment-focused platforms, including Legit.ng and Winna FC, and has since triggered widespread discussion about celebrity paydays in global advertising campaigns.
Messi appeared alongside actor Tom Holland in the 40-second promotional video released on 30 June, which shows him searching for Spider-Man before meeting Holland's character Peter Parker.
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The collaboration has gained significant traction across digital platforms ahead of the latest Marvel flick's release on 31 July.
However, fact-check assessments by many online sleuths have found no official confirmation of the reported $15 million payment. Mainstream media outlets have also yet to confirm or report on this, while no official statements have been released by Marvel or Messi's spokesperson.
The claim is widely considered unverified and appears to have originated from viral social media posts, which were later amplified by secondary outlets without primary sourcing.
Despite the uncertainty over the financial figure, the promotional clip has already generated global engagement, highlighting the growing intersection between elite sport and Hollywood marketing.
Messi continues to feature prominently at the 2026 Fifa World Cup, where his on-field performance has also kept him in the global spotlight.
