Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo has described himself as “incredibly honored” to have joined Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior around a table for a LEGO advert – and a designer from the company has revealed how the icon’s team “really liked” a work reflecting his Siuuu celebration.
The revered quartet, who have each been immortalised in LEGO bricks as part of a series of special sets created for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, are shown building a replica of the tournament trophy and grinning at each other in the commercial, titled “everyone wants a piece”.
Ronaldo, who has long been considered Messi’s arch-rival in a debate about which of the forwards is the greatest player of modern times, also called the Argentina captain, France skipper Mbappe and Brazil superstar Vinicius Jr “incredible”.
How LEGO created Ronaldo, Messi, Mbappe, Vinicius Jr sets
Designed for players aged at least 10, the Football Highlights sets are pitched as a “cinematic snapshot” of each player built on letter-shaped bases and the colors of their national shirts alongside a collectible plaque and minifigure.
Ronaldo and Mbappe’s likenesses contain 490 pieces, with 2022 World Cup winner Messi’s made of 500 and Vinicius Junior’s 510.
“We needed to look into what hairpiece we were using and how to get the face correct,” said LEGO’s Sanne van Kesteren, speaking to AS.
“We wanted to show any other details they have, like Messi’s tattoos, for example. We collected so many options on wigs and facial expressions and we were constantly going back and forth with the teams, showing what we were doing and exploring.
“Especially on the expressions: ‘Should we have a more smiley face, a more determined face?’ We decided to have two faces for Ronaldo.
“We were a little nervous when we were showing the Siuuu face. That was the one we believed in the most, because it’s super iconic and the kids are going to love it.
“Of course, when we showed it, we were a little tense – but the team really liked that. They were actually talking about it all the time, saying ‘I love this face’. That’s the one in the packaging shot.”
Why Lionel Messi found LEGO set ‘surreal’
Messi and Ronaldo have additional Football Legends sets. Designers can recreate that Siuuu pose or bicycle kick in an 854-piece model, while the Messi make is malleable to show the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner celebrating or dribbling with the help of 958 pieces.
“A particular highlight for me was being able to go and meet Lionel Messi and show him the set I’d been working for months on,” designer Freddy Charters told the outlet.
“I’m a huge fan of football… if you’re a fan of football, should you be a fan of Messi. He’s a brilliant player and I’ve followed his life and career since I was very young.
“He expressed that his family was really into LEGO building. He said it was surreal for him to now see himself in LEGO form and that his family would now be building a set based on him, which is amazing.”
A 1,427-element set featuring Messi is for fans aged at least 14, designed as a “striking piece of 3D wall art” packed with “Easter eggs that nod to his life and career”.
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo: How much are the LEGO sets?
The Messi and Ronaldo Soccer Legends pieces are $79.99, with a Messi celebration design costing $199.99.
“Similar to football, LEGO play is all about building and rebuilding, trying new things, learning from mistakes and celebrating successes,” suggested Messi, adding that he was “thrilled” for fans to try the sets.
“I love how these LEGO sets bring my on-pitch moments to life in a fun and imaginative way.”
Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr LEGO sets: ‘Energy and creativity’
The designs depicting 2018 champion Mbappe and Vinicius Junior are part of the Soccer Highlights series, which cost $29.99 each.
“This LEGO set tells part of my story, but above all it captures the energy and creativity that make this sport so special,” said Mbappe, sounding a hopeful note.
“It’s a fun way to share my journey and my passion. If it can inspire young people to believe in their ambitions, build their own path and enjoy creating along the way, then that’s a true victory.”
Vinicius Junior called the sets “truly exciting”. “Just like on the field, these sets allow fans to explore new moves and celebrate the energy of the game,” said the Real Madrid livewire.
LEGO football advert: How to buy the World Cup sets
The football sets are available from LEGO’s site, with some on pre-order when the commercial aired on April 2.
The trophy set seen in the advert is priced at $199.99 and a World Cup football is $129.99.
A FIFA World Cup trophy emblem set and a US national team jersey are available for $24.99 each.
