Viral LEGO ad Messi and Ronaldo’s BTS clip: Netizens suggest use of body doubles

If you’ve been online over the past few days, chances are you’ve come across the viral LEGO ad that brings together some of football’s biggest names - Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappé, and Vinícius Júnior. 

In the eye-catching promo created ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the players are shown building a giant LEGO replica of the World Cup trophy, adding pieces one by one in a fun, imaginative sequence that captures the magic of both football and LEGO.

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While the ad has been widely shared and praised for its creative concept and star power, it has also sparked an online debate about its authenticity. Many viewers initially assumed the four football icons had come together for a joint shoot, fuelling excitement about a rare “dream team” moment. However, questions quickly arose over whether the players were actually in the same room or if the scenes were cleverly assembled.

The scale of coordination required to bring together multiple global athletes, each with packed schedules, made the setup seem unlikely. This led to speculation around whether the ad used AI, CGI, or other techniques to create the illusion of a shared moment.

That speculation only intensified after a behind-the-scenes clip surfaced online.

No, It’s Not AI

A recent behind-the-scenes clip circulating widely on social media suggests that the commercial was not shot with all four stars together. The footage shows body doubles handling the physical filming in the studio setting with props resembling elements from the final ad. 

The clip appears to suggest that production relied on face-swapping or CGI techniques to superimpose the real faces of the stars onto the doubles. This would allow the appearance of the four players collaborating in one frame without them being physically present together.

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However, it’s important to note that this footage has not been officially released or confirmed by the brand. The video is said to have originated from an account linked to one of the actors involved, but even that has remained unconfirmed. This has further complicated the narrative, leaving viewers unsure whether the BTS itself is authentic, edited, or misinterpreted.

Social media reactions

As both the ad and the alleged BTS clip continue to circulate, social media reactions have become a mix of curiosity, scepticism, and humour.

A user commented, “So it cost them 22 million dollars just to use thier faces.” Another wrote, “Of course they used body doubles. Real Messi and Ronaldo in the same room for more than 5 seconds? The egos would cause a nuclear meltdown before the first take.” Another questioned, “Wait…all those legends replaced with doubles?? Does that even count as Messi and Ronaldo magic, or just clever editing?”

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A user said, “AI doing wonders but I am 100% sure their consent was seeked and approved before they could use their faces.”

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At the same time, some users appreciated the craft regardless of how it was made, saying, “Real or not, it’s still a clever execution”.

More than just a viral ad

The BTS clip has satisfied many fans who were curious about the making of the ad, while highlighting the high level of craftsmanship involved in modern advertising. Despite the use of doubles and CGI, the final result remains an impressive and entertaining collaboration that continues to generate buzz across social media.