Major League Soccer Kicks Off Iconic Match of Spot and Song with Lionel Messi

Channeling global energy and enthusiasm for all things soccer, MLS delivers 'Can I Kick It,' a spectacular anthemic centrepiece of its campaign 'MLS Is Back,' via Ogilvy. Directed by Romain Chassaing and edited by Edward Khoma of Abandon Editorial, the spot unites a cavalcade of Major League Soccer stars alongside cultural icons including Magic Johnson, David Beckham, Kevin Durant and Matthew McConaughey in an eye-popping celebration of the league's return.

Set to a reimagined version of the classic 'Can I Kick It' by A Tribe Called Quest, the spot opens on Lionel Messi in the stadium as players arrive by every mode of transportation imaginable, each one landing directly on the field with a singular goal on their mind. An oversized version of the World Cup match ball rolls loose through the city streets as players, fans, familiar faces, and some wildly animated characters come together for a larger-than-life celebration. The spot closes on the field in fireworks with the final message, “Thanks world. We’ll take it from here. MLS is back July 16”.

Mixed by Sonic Union and featuring extensive VFX by 1920, the spot transforms an already energetic concept into a playful, cinematic spectacle. The epic new spot also marks Edward’s second collaboration on the campaign after editing 'The Call,' which launched the league's 'MLS Is Back' campaign on social channels earlier this year..

"Working on this campaign with the team at Ogilvy was honestly a dream,” shared Edward. “They put a lot of trust in me and were incredibly collaborative throughout the entire process. With so many moving pieces, we worked closely to make sure every moment felt intentional and every scene flowed naturally into the next.”

“Getting to work with such a legendary track, especially hearing the new pace and energy DJ Premier brought to it, was a real highlight,” added Edward. “Collaborating with Romain Chassaing was equally inspiring, and 1920 did an incredible job taking our ideas and rough comps and making the final VFX feel so polished and cohesive. It was truly a labour of love across every department."