Barcelona icons Alexia Putellas and Lionel Messi have come together once again in Lay’s latest World Cup campaign — a full-circle moment in what Putellas describes as her “crazy life.”

Fourteen years ago, a teenage Putellas met Messi at Barcelona’s training facilities. Back then, she was just an 18-year-old newcomer eager to take a photograph with her idol. Today, the two stand as equals — celebrated global ambassadors of the sport.

Speaking as part of Lay’s World Cup campaign, Putellas opened up about her extraordinary journey in football, recalling her first encounter with Messi and sharing why his World Cup triumph was a cherished moment for football fans everywhere.

“I remember my first year at Barcelona – I was 18,” Putellas said. “I was working in the afternoon at the training facilities and he was there. I asked him for a photo and it was a big moment for me because I was new at the club – he was so nice.”

“After a number of years, we met again in a commercial – so it's a crazy life now but I'm so happy and I always wish him the best because he's really good – the best player – but he’s a really good person too.”

This reunion marks their collaboration in Lay’s new World Cup initiative, the No Lay’s No Game Most Epic Watch Party, which also features global football stars such as Thierry Henry and David Beckham, uniting legends from across generations.

For Putellas, the campaign holds deep meaning because it connects her with fans while allowing her to work alongside players she once looked up to. “All the commercials of Lay’s are special,” she explained. “I've been lucky to be in them with some legends who I admired when I was young, and it’s so special because you are connecting with fans.”

“I never imagined that everything that has happened could be possible, so I just try to enjoy every day. To have this experience with Leo and the other players is something incredible that I will always remember.”

Putellas also expressed her deep admiration for Messi’s World Cup success, acknowledging the universal joy his victory brought to fans around the world when he lifted the trophy with Argentina in 2018. “If you love football, you love that Messi has won at least one World Cup,” she said.

Messi ended his 18-year tenure with Barcelona in 2021, while Putellas recently announced her own departure from the club after 14 years — marking the close of an era for two of Barcelona’s greatest players.

During her illustrious spell with the club, Putellas secured four UEFA Women’s Champions League titles, ten Liga F domestic championships, and two Ballon d’Or awards, cementing her legacy as one of the most decorated players in women’s football.

At 32, Putellas has been linked with a move to London City Lionesses as she prepares for the next chapter of her career after a historic spell at her childhood club.

Reflecting on her time at Barcelona, she said, “Of course we've been lucky because we have been part of an epic team. Not just with Aitana [Bonmati], but for me it was a pleasure to be part of this Barca era and of course being the captain.”

“Being a player for 14 seasons at my childhood club, it was a perfect story for me.”