Rumour: Tata Motors signs up Lionel Messi as brand ambassador

Thank you to Team-BHP fan (who prefers to remain anonymous) for sharing this information. Heartfelt gratitude for sharing it with other enthusiasts!

Tata Motors has been struggling in the Indian market and going by their monthly sales figures, the Zest and Bolt failed to create any significant impact for the company and so did the Nano AMT or the 2015 Safari Storme. In its pursuit of gaining acceptance in India as well as in global markets, the company is now rumored to have roped in Lionel Messi as brand ambassador!

Born in Roasario, Santa Fé, Argentina, Lionel "Leo" Messi is a 28-year old footballer who plays for the Spanish club FC Barcelona and is also the captain of the Argentinian national team. He is widely considered as one of the best player in the game by fans and experts worldwide; and boasts of a long list of awards and accolades to his name.

Tata Motors aims to pursue its global ambitions by signing this international celebrity. One thing would be certain after this though - Tata's popularity and acceptance in several nations may witness a positive impact. However, what remains uncertain is the degree of impact this brand ambassador will have on the Indian market, where football isn't a popular sport yet. Clearly, the targeted Indian audience for its upcoming cars can be identified as young, well-read / well-traveled, urban and ambitious individuals.

Leo Messi will be a part of the Tata Kite launch, which isn't too far away. A formal announcement is expected in August or September, 2015. Some units of the Tata Kite have already been shipped to Spain for shooting ad campaigns.

It might be also recalled that in 2013, an Indian phone brand - Micromax signed a hollywood celebrity, Hugh Jackman as their brand ambassador and this strategy positively impacted the brand's image globally.