Who is Messi The Dog? Why Was He At The Cannes Film Festival?
The 77th Cannes Film Festival got off to an adorable start when Messi, the dog from "Anatomy of a Fall," made a grand entrance on the red carpet. Messi, a border collie who became a sensation during last year’s festival for his role as Snoop in Justine Triet’s Palme d’Or-winning film, returned to Cannes in style. He strutted confidently past photographers and lapped up all the attention, just like the stars he shared the carpet with—including Meryl Streep, Greta Gerwig, and Jane Fonda.
Messi the dog, a charming black-and-white border collie, has captured hearts around the world with his adorable antics and memorable performances. He first made waves with his role in Justine Triet’s Anatomy of a Fall, which won the prestigious Palme d’Or at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival. In the film, Messi plays Snoop, a key character whose perspective adds crucial clues to a gripping murder mystery.
Messi’s journey to stardom began when he stepped onto the Cannes red carpet in 2023. His standout performance in Anatomy of a Fall not only earned him the Palm Dog award—an honor recognizing the best dog in film—but also established him as a favorite among audiences and critics alike. His unique ability to connect with the human characters and engage viewers made him a true scene-stealer.
But Messi's charm isn’t limited to the screen. His appearances at various awards events during the 2024 season, including the Oscar nominees’ luncheon and the Academy Awards, showcased his fun-loving personality. He became a fixture at these gatherings, charming Hollywood stars and drawing smiles from everyone around him.
Behind Messi’s success is his dedicated trainer, Laura Martin. With years of experience in animal training, Martin has helped Messi hone his skills for the big screen. Border collies are known for their intelligence and quick learning, making them ideal candidates for complex roles. Messi’s training allowed him to perform with remarkable precision, responding to cues and commands that brought Snoop to life in Anatomy of a Fall.
In May 2024, Messi returned to the Cannes Film Festival, this time for the premiere of The Second Act. As he walked the red carpet, the crowd couldn’t get enough of him. Photographers called out his name, and Messi happily posed for pictures, soaking up the attention. He even sported a playful attitude, carrying a camera stick in his mouth for video segments being filmed for social media.
Messi’s return to Cannes highlighted his status as a beloved figure in the film industry. His popularity shows how much audiences appreciate the unique bond between dogs and their human companions, especially in storytelling.
Messi’s presence at Cannes wasn’t just a cute photo op—it was a celebration of his contributions to cinema and a nod to the growing recognition of animal performers in film. The Palm Dog award he won in 2023 reflects this appreciation, reminding everyone that dogs can play significant roles in storytelling.
With his newfound fame, it’s clear that Messi’s career is just getting started. Thanks to his talent and the hard work of Laura Martin, he’s likely to appear in more films and events in the future. Whether he’s playing pivotal roles or just bringing smiles to faces, Messi is here to stay.
