Hard Rock International and Lionel Messi Celebrate New “Captain Messi” Superhero Toy, Kids Menu and Retail Collection Now Available at Hard Rock Cafe London

Join us in London from the 23rd of October to celebrate Captain Messi featuring new Captain Messi kids menu and merchandise offerings

LONDON, England, 23rd October 2024 – Introducing the world’s newest superhero, Captain Messi! Hard Rock International and global brand ambassador, Lionel Messi, are proud to unveil a superhero version of the sports and cultural icon. Captain Messi is saving the day with his powerful kick and will be featured in the Hard Rock Cafes in London, Hard Rock Cafe Piccadilly Circus and Hard Rock Cafe on Old Park Lane. Hard Rock and Lionel Messi united to create a limited-edition, posable Captain Messi toy, now available with any Captain Messi Kids Menu order*.

It marks the first time the soccer great was involved in the creation of a toy in his likeness. Rock Shops worldwide and online will also carry the collectible figure as part of a new Captain Messi retail collection complete with lunchboxes, water bottles, backpacks, apparel and more.

“My kids and I love watching superhero movies together, so it was really special to work with Hard Rock to create Captain Messi,” said Lionel Messi. “I hope it helps inspire young fans and families to work hard and believe in themselves to do great things.”

The company announced two new additions to the Captain Messi Kids Menu: cheese pizza and pepperoni pizza, providing more delicious meals that kids will love. The Captain Messi Kids Menu includes a variety of options for all palates and these new pizzas complement existing selections like grilled chicken salad, fresh fruit, and chicken tenders, catering to different tastes and providing more delicious meal options for young diners.

 “We’re thrilled to continue our incredible partnership with Lionel Messi and create a new way to represent all the joy he brings to people around the world,” said Jim Allen, CEO of Seminole Gaming and Chairman of Hard Rock International. 

 For the Captain Messi launch in America, Lionel Messi made a superhero-sized surprise event appearance for families yesterday, with special guests gathering in the Hard Rock Cafe at the company’s flagship Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood property.

At the launch event, Hard Rock also presented a $1,000,000 check to Chef José Andrés, Founder of World Central Kitchen, and Brad Keiserman, Senior Vice President of Disaster Response and the top executive for disaster response in the Americas at the American Red Cross. This donation will support relief efforts for those impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The funds will aid in immediate recovery and long-term rebuilding for communities devastated by catastrophic storms from Florida to the Carolinas and Tennessee. 

Over the past three years, Lionel Messi has been a tremendous partner and brand ambassador of Hard Rock. He recently starred in Hard Rock’s “Come Together” campaign celebrating the launch of its Unity by Hard Rock™ global loyalty program. Unity is complimentary and offers an array of benefits and services at more than 200 Hard Rock locations where members can earn and redeem Unity Points toward free hotel nights, dining experiences, Rock Shop® merch and more. Visit www.hardrock.com to plan your next visit.

You can get the new Captain Messi Menu at the Hard Rock Cafe’s in London - Hard Rock Cafe on Old Park Lane and Hard Rock Cafe in Piccadilly Circus, and the new merchandise can be found at the Rock Shops.

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Editors notes

** while supplies last.

For reservations or more information, visit https://cafe.hardrock.com/london/ or https://cafe.hardrock.com/piccadilly-circus/

THE ORIGINAL CAFE® HARD ROCK CAFE® LONDON EST.1971 Discover the place known for its authentic dining and world class entertainment when you visit the original Cafe® . Standing proudly on London’s Old Park Lane since 1971, Hard Rock Cafe® London is the founding Cafe® that started the legend that is Hard Rock. Ready to cater for groups and families of all sizes, expect excellence in everything we serve. Walk in and be wowed by walls adorned with authentic, one-of-a-kind memorabilia from decades of rock history, including Hard Rock’s very first piece of memorabilia – the iconic red guitar given to Hard Rock Cafe® London by Eric Clapton.

HARD ROCK CAFE® PICCADILLY CIRCUS EST. 2019 Combining the eclectic vibe of Piccadilly Circus with the rock and roll lifestyle of the Hard Rock Cafe® Brand, Hard Rock Cafe® Piccadilly Circus, as Hard Rock’s Flagship Property, pays tribute to the building’s prestigious heritage and unbeatable West End location. Step in and be captivated by walls adorned with authentic, one-of-a-kind memorabilia from decades of music history, featuring items from British music legends and international starts alike. Hard Rock Cafe® Piccadilly Circus is also home to the world’s largest Rock Shop!

Hard Rock® International

Hard Rock International (HRI) is one of the most globally recognized companies with venues in over 74 countries spanning 313 locations that include owned/licensed or managed Hotels, Casinos, Rock Shops®, Live Performance Venues and Cafes. Its Unity by Hard Rock™ global loyalty program rewards members for doing the things they love across participating properties around the world. HRI also launched a joint venture named Hard Rock Digital in 2020, an online sportsbook, retail sportsbook and internet gaming platform. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world's largest and most valuable collection of authentic music memorabilia at more than 88,000 pieces, which are displayed at its locations around the globe. HRI became the first privately-owned gaming company designated a U.S. Best Managed Company by Deloitte Private and The Wall Street Journal in 2021 and has since been honored fourfold. Hard Rock was also honored by Forbes among the World's Best Employers, as well as Best Employers for Women, Diversity and New Grads and a Top Large Employer in the Travel & Leisure, Gaming and Entertainment Industry. In the 2022 Global Gaming Awards, Hard Rock was named Land-Based Operator of the Year for the second time in four years. Hard Rock International currently holds investment grades from primary investment-grade rating agencies: S&P Global Ratings (BBB-) and Fitch Ratings (BBB). For more information on Hard Rock International, visit www.hardrock.com or shop.hardrock.com.