Ratan Tata dies: First Indian brand which signed Lionel Messi was…

Ratan Tata and Lionel Messi are global icons – both in their own rights. One of the greatest Indian industrialists and philanthropist Ratan Tata passed away in Mumbai at the age of 86 on Wednesday night. Ratan Tata and Argentina football legend Lionel Messi do have a brand connection.

Tata Motors was the first-ever Indian company which had the former Barcelona legend and current Inter Miami striker Lionel Messi as their brand ambassador. Back in November 2015, Tata Motors pulled out all stops to sign Messi to be the ambassador for their newly launched hatchback Zica – which is now known as Tiago.

Unfortunately launch of the hatchback coincided with the outbreak of a deadly virus with a similar name – Zika – which resulted in Tata Motors changing the name of car to Tiago. “I am very excited about my first association with an Indian brand and am extremely thrilled to be a part of the Tata Motors family. I have always been fascinated by India and have heard such great things about this diverse country,” Messi had said about the brand association back then.

“Tata Motors is a true representation of India and a well-established brand, globally. It is important to believe in yourself and keep pushing to achieve success and that is what the first campaign stands for,” Messi added.

 

RIP Ratan Tata!

The first Indian brand that Leo Messi became an ambassador was of Tata Motors.

As a kid, I still remember how big a deal this was to see a global football icon like Messi be the face of an Indian automobile manufacturer.

Back then, Leo said, “I am very… pic.twitter.com/q6HnUgDnVw

— Leo Messi Fan Club (@WeAreMessi) October 9, 2024

Messi is no longer the brand ambassador of Tata Motors or Tiago but the popularity of the car hasn’t slowed down. However, there is speculation that Messi could be associated with the Tata brand once again.

The upcoming Tata Kite will have Messi as its brand ambassador. The Kite (codenamed) which will be launched in upcoming festive season, will be a major launch for Tata Motors and the company is looking at creating a significant impact for its new small car and compact sedan.

According to the Motor Octane website, Tata Motors have already shot a promotional video with Lionel Messi for their new car in Spain recently. Tata’s new Kite hatchback will be launched around the festive season this year, followed by its compact sedan in early 2016. The Kite petrol will have a 1.2-litre petrol engine, which will be naturally aspirated.

Ratan Tata, Chairman Emeritus, Tata Sons, passed away at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai aged 86 on Wednesday night.