Brands
Messi’s wine-and-Sprite combo ripples through Coca-Cola stocks
ATLANTA: In an interview released on 7 January 2026 on Luzu TV, the Argentina football legend revealed he likes to mix wine with Sprite, explaining that the fizzy blend helps him unwind in the Miami sun. “I like wine, but if not, I have my usual: wine with Sprite. So it hits fast, haha,” Messi said, adding with characteristic humour that he enjoys solitude amid the chaos of family life.
The quip has had an unforeseen corporate impact. Since Messi’s comment went public, shares in Coca-Cola, the maker of Sprite, have climbed around 5 per cent, equivalent to roughly $12.9 billion in market value, according to Day Trading, a financial news platform. The surge is being linked to the positive attention and a wave of consumer curiosity, with fans reportedly heading to shops to replicate the unusual mix.
This is not the first time a football star’s off-hand remark has swayed Coca-Cola’s fortunes. At Euro 2020 in June 2021, Cristiano Ronaldo’s public dismissal of the brand’s product allegedly knocked about $4 billion off its market value.
Messi’s revelation has also stirred debate among food and drink enthusiasts. Pedro Cuccovillo Vitola, executive producer at Aiims Creator Hub, tried the blend, combining wine and Sprite over ice in a wine glass. He said the carbonation softened the alcohol’s edge, making it “surprisingly pleasant” and worth sampling.
Whether the drink becomes a trend or remains a quirky footnote, Messi’s influence on both culture and markets is once again undeniable.
Brands
Angel One Q4 profit surges 83 per cent to Rs 320cr
year net profit dips 22 per cent to Rs 915cr as revenue softens slightly to Rs 5,137cr.
MUMBAI: Angel One has just earned its wings in style delivering a blockbuster Q4 that proves the brokerage giant is still flying high even in a cautious market. Standalone revenue from operations for the three months ended 31 March 2026 rose sharply to Rs 1,459cr, up from Rs 1,056cr a year ago. Total income stood at Rs 1,467cr. After all expenses, profit before tax came in at Rs 440cr, while net profit for the quarter surged 83 per cent to Rs 320cr (versus Rs 175cr last year). Basic EPS stood at Rs 3.52 and diluted at Rs 3.44.
For the full year ended 31 March 2026, revenue from operations was Rs 5,137cr compared with Rs 5,238cr in FY25. Total income reached Rs 5,152cr. Profit before tax was Rs 1,272cr, and net profit came in at Rs 915cr (down from Rs 1,172cr). Basic EPS was Rs 10.09 (from Rs 13.00) and diluted Rs 9.85 (from Rs 12.68).
Total comprehensive income for the quarter stood at Rs 321cr, while the full-year figure was Rs 913cr.
The strong quarterly performance reflects robust growth in interest income (Rs 455cr) and fees & commission (Rs 1,000cr), even as the full-year numbers moderated amid a softer overall environment. Finance costs rose to Rs 134cr in Q4 (full year Rs 437cr), while employee benefits stood at Rs 244cr for the quarter (full year Rs 1,067cr).
In a year when many brokers felt the pinch of muted market activity, Angel One has delivered a sparkling Q4 that shows its core broking engine is firing on all cylinders. With the books now closed on FY26, the Mumbai-based player has once again demonstrated that consistent execution and a sharp focus on retail participation continue to pay rich dividends in India’s booming capital markets.
