Lionel Messi has found himself at the centre of online speculation after viral claims suggested he earned $15 million (approximately Tk185 crore) for a brief appearance in a promotional teaser for Spider-Man: Brand New Day. However, there is no official confirmation to support the widely circulated figure.
The claim spread rapidly across social media and was later picked up by several entertainment-focused platforms, including Legit.ng and Winna FC. The reports sparked widespread debate over celebrity earnings from major global advertising campaigns.
Messi appears alongside actor Tom Holland in the 40-second promotional teaser, released on 30 June. The video shows the Argentina captain searching for Spider-Man before meeting Holland’s character, Peter Parker. The collaboration has generated significant attention across digital platforms ahead of the film’s scheduled release on 31 July.
Despite the widespread speculation, independent fact-checks have found no evidence confirming that Messi received the reported $15 million fee. Major international news organisations have not verified the claim, while neither Marvel nor Messi’s representatives have issued any statement on the matter.
The reported payment is therefore widely regarded as unverified and appears to have originated from viral social media posts before being amplified by secondary outlets without citing primary sources.
Regardless of the uncertainty surrounding the reported fee, the teaser has attracted global attention and highlighted the growing crossover between elite sport and Hollywood marketing.
Messi, meanwhile, remains in the international spotlight through his performances at the 2026 Fifa World Cup, where he continues to play a leading role for Argentina.
