The border collie has redefined the age-old “play dead” routine, elevating it to an art form all its own. But behind the glitz and glamour of stardom lies a tale of perseverance and misunderstood genius, according to his devoted trainer.
Amid the buzz of Oscar season in Hollywood, my assignment led me to the opulent confines of the Four Seasons hotel in Beverly Hills, where I was slated to interview one of the year’s most unexpected luminaries.
Stepping into the lobby, my eyes were immediately drawn to him: Messi, with his striking black-and-white coat and piercing blue gaze, held court amidst a throng of admirers. Cameras clicked incessantly as he exuded an aura of magnetic allure, reminiscent of Hollywood’s finest.
Though slightly smaller in stature than his on-screen presence suggested, Messi possessed a charisma akin to legends like Tom Cruise. His breakout role in the French sensation “Anatomy of a Fall” had thrust him into the spotlight, earning accolades and nominations at the highest echelons of cinema.
Last year’s triumph at Cannes, where Messi clinched the prestigious Palm Dog award, marked a turning point in his career. His trainer, Laura Martin Contini, hailed it as the apex of recognition in the realm of canine performance art. Now, fervent supporters were lobbying for the introduction of the Pawscar by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
In “Anatomy of a Fall,” Messi’s portrayal as Snoop, the astute guide dog, mesmerized audiences with its depth and authenticity. His near-death scene, executed with haunting realism, left viewers and industry insiders alike in awe of his raw talent.
As Oscar fever swept through Hollywood, Messi embarked on a transatlantic journey from his home in France to lend his support to the film’s Best Picture campaign. From airport encounters to star-studded luncheons, his presence sparked a frenzy of excitement, with luminaries like Bradley Cooper and Billie Eilish vying for his attention.
During one such luncheon, Contini decided to showcase Messi’s pièce de résistance: the “play dead” routine. Actor Ryan Gosling, caught off guard by Messi’s convincing performance, rushed to his side in concern, unaware of the canine prodigy’s thespian prowess.
In the days that followed, Messi found himself thrust into a whirlwind of press engagements, captivating journalists with his charm and grace. From intimate Q&A sessions to impromptu photo shoots, he navigated the unfamiliar terrain of celebrity with poise and aplomb, leaving an indelible mark on all who encountered him.
In the glitzy world of canine cinema, nepotism often reigns supreme. Recent Palm Dog award winners at Cannes have been linked to celebrity owners like Tilda Swinton (2021) and Quentin Tarantino (2019).
However, Messi’s journey to stardom took a different path. Martin Contini, a dedicated dog trainer residing outside Paris, welcomed Messi into her home as a puppy, adopting him from a neighbor. Despite being dubbed the “ugliest dog of the litter,” there was an undeniable allure about him, earning him the moniker “un chien de cinéma” – a true movie dog. Named Messi in homage to the soccer legend, he embarked on a remarkable journey alongside Martin Contini, evolving together as they honed their craft.
Training a dog for the silver screen is no easy feat, requiring patience and trust. Messi’s education began with the basics – sit, stay, lie down – before progressing to ignore distractions like cameras and boom mics. With an unwavering focus on the trainer, regardless of external stimuli, Messi’s training regimen prepared him for the unpredictable chaos of film sets.
Despite his undeniable talent, breaking into the industry proved challenging for Messi. Audition after audition yielded no results, leaving him labeled as the “misunderstood artist.” However, perseverance paid off when Messi secured his breakout role in “Anatomy of a Fall” after numerous auditions and chemistry tests.
Martin Contini meticulously crafted Messi’s training for his pivotal scenes, including the harrowing poisoning sequence. Every detail was meticulously planned, from mastering the art of playing dead to subtle gestures like sticking out his tongue. Rehearsing alongside human actors, Messi built rapport to ensure his performances felt authentic and organic.
Embracing a philosophy of allowing Messi room to improvise, Martin Contini facilitated intimate moments on set by stepping back and allowing Messi to connect with his scene partners. Despite his newfound fame, Messi remained blissfully unaware of his celebrity status, approaching each role with humility and dedication.
As Messi’s Hollywood adventure came to a close, he embarked on his next project: a role in a French television series, where his specialty of dying on camera would once again shine. Despite speculation about his celebrity doppelgänger, from Brad Pitt to Jake Gyllenhaal, Messi remained indifferent to the spotlight, embodying the essence of a true artist – humble, yet extraordinary.