what chess game was on the board for the messi and ronaldo photo

It was the position from Magnus Carlsen vs. Hikaru Nakamura , from Norway Chess 2017. The image on the board was not a random setup; it was a real chess position from that game.

What makes it notable

The photo was part of a Louis Vuitton campaign featuring Messi and Ronaldo, and chess fans quickly identified the board position as coming from that Carlsen–Nakamura game. In the image, the two footballers were effectively looking at the position from their opponent’s side, which added to the hidden- detail appeal.

Extra context

• The game is widely referenced because the photo echoed a famous real match rather than a staged chess puzzle.

• Commentary around the image highlighted the symmetry between the football rivalry and the chess rivalry it referenced.

TL;DR: the board showed a Carlsen–Nakamura position from Norway Chess 2017.