![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Will-Smith-Lionel-Messi.jpeg?width=600)
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Will-Smith-Lionel-Messi.jpeg?width=600)
The 4th entry in the iconic Bad Boys franchise is set to release on June 7th. With barely 10 remains remaining, Will Smith has got his hands full with promotional duties. The actor was in Saudi Arabia for the country’s first-ever Hollywood Premiere in Riyadh on May 24. But the location being Riyadh, home to Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr team, there is a feeling that the Hollywood icon has missed an opportunity. Especially, in the aftermath of his recent hit collaboration with Inter Miami ace Lionel Messi.
Will Smith was at Roshn Front’s VOX Cinema for the premiere of Bad Boys: Ride or Die. The actor and Martin Lawrence took the time to interact with the fans and uploaded images of the same via Instagram. Yet, there is a feeling that such a massive promotion in Saudi could have been significantly bettered with Cristiano Ronaldo’s presence. The 5-time Ballon d’Or winner is in Riyadh and is preparing for a crucial King Cup match against Al Hilal. Considering how well Smith ‘kicked‘ it out with Messi, couldn’t he have planned something similar with CR7?
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Recently, the Hollywood A-lister uploaded a video on Instagram starring Lionel Messi. The clip shows Smith and Lawrence in discussion with a green soccer ball in front of them. Just then, La Pulga casually enters the frame and kicks the ball onto the camera. The idea proved to be a massive hit and has gotten nearly 3.4 million likes within 19 hours!
The success of clip is largely due to Messi’s significant social media presence. But Cristiano Ronaldo has more followers (630 million vs 503 million) and would have likely given him better numbers. Hence, why did he choose La Pulga and not CR7 for promotions? Could it be due to his previous affiliation with Messi?
Will Smith’s equation with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo
Will Smith was in attendance for Inter Miami’s season opener against Real Salt Lake. During halftime, fans were thrilled as the ‘Bad Boys’ actor shared a warm moment with La Pulga. During halftime, the Argentine icon was heading to the tunnel. Just then, Will Smith leaned toward the railing and shook hands with the soccer icon. The embrace went beyond a handshake as they talked and gave a warm big hug before parting. The duo were spotting big smiles and it felt like they knew each other well.
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Moreover, Will Smith also posted the same on Instagram. Notably, in the clip, the actor revealed that it was the first day of shooting Bad Boys. Hence, there is a good chance that the Hollywood icon had planned the collaboration all along. Yet, Smith is also an admirer of Cristiano Ronaldo. Regarding the Portuguese great, Smith said, “I love that dude and the way he interacts with people. He just has impeccable taste and style.” Perhaps, watching an Al Nassr game live might compel the Bad Boy star to collaborate with CR7.
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2023-12-23T201551Z_1685657885_UP1EJCN1KADRF_RTRMADP_3_BOXING-HEAVYWEIGHT-JOSHUA-WALLIN.jpg?width=150&blur=15)
via Reuters
REUTERS/Ahmed Yosri
Did you like the Will Smith- Messi promo? Share your thoughts below.
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