Hollywood superstar Will Smith has shared his experience of working with soccer legend Lionel Messi, explaining how acting brings out a “little kid smile” in the Inter Miami star, reported by GOAL. Messi, who is now a Bad Boy for life, has been balancing his busy schedule both on and off the pitch.

Lionel Messi, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, has been juggling a demanding professional life. He is currently involved in a quest for the MLS Cup with Inter Miami while also preparing for the Copa America title defense with Argentina. Despite his packed schedule, Messi found time to collaborate with some of Hollywood’s biggest stars.

Messi took part in the promotional campaign for the latest installment of the Bad Boys franchise, titled “Bad Boys: Ride or Die.” He joined forces with Oscar winner Will Smith and comedian Martin Lawrence. The promotional video, featuring Messi, went viral as it showcased him speaking English during a brief cameo appearance in a star-studded scene.

Will Smith's insights

Will Smith, speaking on the Full Send podcast, shared his observations of Messi during the filming. The Argentine legend, who had previously worked with “Ted Lasso” star Jason Sudeikis for a series of commercials shot for the 2024 Super Bowl, clearly enjoys stepping outside his comfort zone.

“Messi is fantastic, he doesn’t do stuff like [acting], so it’s really interesting when you see somebody who is world-class in the thing that they do, and then they get that little kid smile doing something [new],” Smith said. “He loved being on the set working, it was like a relief for him, he just loved playing in that world, he’s fun to watch.”

Smith’s comments highlight how much Messi enjoyed the acting experience. Despite being at the top of his game in soccer, Messi found joy and excitement in the new challenge of acting. This experience allowed him to express a different side of his personality, one that is usually reserved for the soccer pitch.

What’s next for Lionel Messi

With his brief stint in Hollywood over, Messi has shifted his focus back to soccer. His workload is being carefully managed as he prepares for the Copa America, which is set to begin on June 20. Inter Miami is aware that they may be without their star player for up to five games during the tournament.

Messi's participation in the Copa America is crucial for Argentina as they aim to defend their title. His performance on the international stage has always been stellar, and the team will be relying on his leadership and skills. The tournament is an important event for Messi and Argentina, adding another layer of responsibility to his already busy schedule.

Inter Miami will need to adapt to Messi's absence during the Copa America. The team has been building around him, and his absence will be felt. However, this period will also provide an opportunity for other players to step up and showcase their talents. The team’s performance during this time will be a testament to their depth and resilience.

Lionel Messi’s venture into acting with Will Smith for the Bad Boys promotional campaign was a delightful departure from his usual routine. It highlighted his ability to find joy and excitement in new experiences, even while being one of the best soccer players in the world. As Messi returns to the pitch, his focus is now on leading Argentina to success in the Copa America and continuing his impactful presence at Inter Miami. This blend of sports and entertainment showcases Messi's versatility and his ability to captivate audiences both on and off the field.