Sony Pictures drops a fun World Cup-timed promo featuring Tom Holland’s Peter Parker and the football icon
NEW YORK June 30, 2026 – Sony Pictures has released a lighthearted 40-second promotional teaser for the upcoming Spider-Man: Brand New Day, starring Tom Holland as Peter Parker/Spider-Man. The spot features soccer superstar Lionel Messi in a surprise crossover that has quickly gone viral.
In the clip, a casual Peter Parker (Holland) is sitting in a New York City café when Messi walks in. A starstruck Parker immediately recognizes the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner and excitedly blurts out, “You’re Messi!” Messi responds with a simple “Sí” before pulling out his phone to show the “Spidey Tracker” app (a nod to Ned Leeds’ tech from previous films).
Peter quickly suits up as Spider-Man and returns to greet the football legend. When asked if he likes heights, Messi replies with a confused “¿Cómo?” — before the two are seen web-swinging through the Manhattan skyline, with Messi letting out an excited scream.
The teaser ends with the official title card:
SPIDER-MAN: BRAND NEW DAY
JULY 31
IN PREMIUM FORMATS
EXCLUSIVELY IN MOVIE THEATRES
The spot is a standalone marketing campaign tied to the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup, capitalizing on Messi’s global fame rather than indicating any role for the Inter Miami star in the actual movie plot.
Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, Spider-Man: Brand New Day continues Tom Holland’s portrayal of Peter Parker in a “fresh start” era following the events of No Way Home. The film also stars Zendaya and is expected to explore Peter operating as a full-time Spider-Man in a world that no longer remembers his secret identity.
The teaser, shared by accounts like @DiscussingFilm on X, has amassed over 19 million views in its first day, sparking widespread memes — many focusing on Messi’s minimal English dialogue and his enthusiastic reaction to swinging through New York.
Fans and media outlets have praised the creative crossover as clever marketing that blends two of the world’s biggest global icons.
Spider-Man: Brand New Day hits theaters on July 31, 2026, in premium formats including IMAX and Dolby Cinema. Tickets are on sale now.
This promotional video perfectly captures the fun, high-energy spirit of the Spider-Man franchise while giving fans a memorable (if brief) moment of Messi and Holland sharing the screen.
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