On April 26, 2025, the worlds of technology, sports, and entertainment collided in an unprecedented way when Elon Musk, the billionaire CEO of Tesla, made a jaw-dropping offer to football superstar Lionel Messi. Musk publicly announced that he was willing to pay Messi $100 million to become the face of a global advertising campaign for Tesla’s Cybertruck, the futuristic electric pickup truck that has struggled to meet sales expectations since its launch in late 2023. However, Messi’s unexpected response to the offer has left the world stunned, sparking heated debates across social media and raising questions about Musk’s influence in both the automotive and cultural spheres.

The offer came at a critical time for Tesla. The Cybertruck, once heralded by Musk as a “game-changer” with over 1 million reservations, has faced significant challenges in 2025. According to recent data, Tesla has sold only 6,406 Cybertrucks in the first quarter of this year, a sharp decline from the 14,416 and 12,991 units sold in the third and fourth quarters of 2024, respectively. The vehicle has been plagued by production issues, safety recalls, and a high price point—starting at $69,990 for the new single-motor version, far above the originally promised $39,900. Additionally, Tesla is sitting on nearly 2,400 unsold Cybertrucks, representing $200 million in inventory, as the company struggles to appeal to a broader market amidst Musk’s controversial political involvement with the Trump administration.

Musk’s proposal to Messi was made public during a live audio session on X, the social media platform he owns. “Lionel Messi is a global icon, loved by billions. We want him to represent the Cybertruck—$100 million for a year-long campaign,” Musk declared, emphasizing that the deal would include Messi appearing in commercials, driving the Cybertruck at public events, and promoting it on his social media accounts, which boast over 500 million followers. Musk added, “This will show the world that the Cybertruck isn’t just a vehicle—it’s a lifestyle, a symbol of innovation and strength, just like Lionel.” The offer was seen as a desperate attempt to revitalize the Cybertruck’s image, especially after Tesla recently pivoted its marketing strategy to position the vehicle as a “working man’s truck,” moving away from its initial futuristic branding.

Messi, the 37-year-old football legend who currently plays for Inter Miami and led Argentina to the 2022 World Cup victory, responded to Musk’s offer just hours later in a statement that sent shockwaves around the globe. Speaking at a press conference in Miami, Messi said, “I appreciate the offer, but I cannot accept it. I don’t support what Mr. Musk stands for politically, and I don’t want to be associated with a product that has so many problems. My values and my fans mean more to me than money.” Messi went on to express concern about the Cybertruck’s safety issues, referencing the recent recall of over 46,000 units due to a detachable exterior panel that poses a road hazard, as well as earlier recalls for faulty accelerator pedals and electrical inverters. “I want to promote things that I believe in, things that are safe and good for people,” he added.

The football star’s rejection stunned fans and analysts alike. Messi, known for his humility and focus on family and philanthropy, has rarely taken such a firm public stance on business matters. His decision to turn down $100 million—a sum that would dwarf many of his endorsement deals—was seen as a powerful statement against Musk’s growing influence and Tesla’s troubled Cybertruck project. On X, reactions poured in, with some fans praising Messi’s integrity. “Lionel Messi just showed why he’s the GOAT—not just in football, but as a human being. $100 million and he said no because of his principles,” one user wrote. Others, however, criticized Messi, with a commenter stating, “Messi is foolish to reject this. It’s just business, not politics. He could’ve helped Tesla and still done good with the money.”

Musk, never one to shy away from controversy, responded to Messi’s rejection with a terse tweet: “If Lionel doesn’t see the vision, that’s his loss. The Cybertruck will succeed with or without him.” However, the billionaire’s confidence may be misplaced. Tesla’s stock has been volatile, with a recent 8% surge after Musk announced he would scale back his role in the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency to focus on the company. Yet, the Cybertruck continues to face backlash, with reports of vandalism linked to Musk’s political affiliations and a declining public perception of the Tesla brand among environmentally conscious consumers.

Messi’s rejection also highlights a broader trend of celebrities distancing themselves from Musk and Tesla. The Cybertruck, once a symbol of innovation, has become a lightning rod for criticism, with its high cost, safety issues, and Musk’s polarizing persona driving away potential buyers. Tesla’s recent attempts to rebrand the Cybertruck as a practical pickup truck, rather than a futuristic novelty, have failed to boost sales significantly, with only 20,000 units projected to be sold in 2025—far below Musk’s initial target of 250,000 annually.

As Tesla grapples with its Cybertruck woes, Messi’s decision has sparked a larger conversation about the intersection of celebrity, corporate responsibility, and personal values. For now, the football superstar has made it clear that no amount of money can sway him from his principles, leaving Musk to find another way to salvage the Cybertruck’s reputation. Whether Tesla can recover from this high-profile snub remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Messi’s response has shifted the narrative, putting the spotlight on Tesla’s struggles and Musk’s controversial leadership in a way that no advertising campaign ever could.