Messi Meets Dhoni in Lay’s New ‘No Lay’s, No Game’ Ad: The Ultimate Crossover Fans Didn’t See Coming

When cricket meets football, and legends like MS Dhoni and Lionel Messi share the screen, you know something exciting is cooking—or rather, crunching. In the latest chapter of Lay’s global campaign ‘No Lay’s, No Game’, the beloved snack brand unites two of the world’s greatest sporting icons for an unexpected, high-impact collaboration.

The teaser for the new ad is already making waves across social media. It shows Messi juggling a football with ease, before cheekily passing it to Dhoni, both holding packs of Lay’s chips. Messi carries the classic Simply Salted flavour, while Dhoni holds the all-time Indian favourite—American Style Cream & Onion. This subtle pairing not only reflects their personalities but also appeals to the taste buds of fans across geographies.

A Snack That Connects Worlds

Messi and Dhoni hail from completely different sporting worlds. While Messi rules the football pitches of Europe and South America, Dhoni commands cricket stadiums across India. What brings them together in this ad is Lay’s—a snack that transcends borders and brings joy to every match-watching moment.

The timing of the ad couldn’t be better. Dhoni’s return to the IPL as Chennai Super Kings’ captain has sent fans into a frenzy. With the tournament in full swing, pairing Dhoni with a global icon like Messi creates a strong buzz and gives the campaign both local flavour and international appeal.

Lay’s + Adidas = Strategic Branding

Both Dhoni and Messi appear in Adidas-branded outfits in the teaser—a nod to the sportswear brand’s long-standing partnership with Messi since 2006. While it may seem incidental, it’s likely a strategic move, subtly aligning global sports brands and boosting the campaign’s visual synergy.

No Lay’s, No Game: From Football to Cricket

Originally launched in 2023, ‘No Lay’s, No Game’ targeted football fans watching the UEFA Champions League. The campaign’s message was simple—watching a game without Lay’s is incomplete. With football legends like David Beckham, Thierry Henry, and Alexia Putellas already featured, the addition of Dhoni shows how Lay’s is expanding its sporting canvas to include cricket.

Lay’s India brought Dhoni on board in 2023 during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, and the campaign since then has included fun, interactive content. In one fan engagement initiative, Thierry Henry visited fans in Barcelona to watch matches with them over Lay’s, making snack time personal. Dhoni did the same in India, strengthening Lay emotional connect with cricket fans.

Gen Z and Global Flavours

Just last month, Dhoni and Ranbir Kapoor launched three global flavours—Korean Chilli, Mexican Salsa, and Mediterranean Pizza—targeting the Gen Z audience during IPL. Now, with Messi joining the pitch, the campaign hits a global high.

Final Crunch

With the Messi-Dhoni teaser, Lay’s turns a casual snack into a shared global experience. By blending cricket and football, local favourites and international stars, Lay’s proves once again that game time is chip time—no Lay’s, no game.