Continuing a partnership that has been ongoing for nearly 20 years, Lionel Messi and adidas will launch a two-shoe collection featuring the Samba OG and F50 Freestyle 24. The soccer superstar is lighting up the MLS while playing for Inter Miami. Still, since he left Spanish club FC Barcelona in 2021, the mercurial Argentinian has been building up his off-the-field brand and commercialization. His longtime sponsorship by The Brand With The Three Stripes gives him much more ability to do this, but if not for a twist of fate, it could have never happened.
Back in 2005, Messi was signed to Nike, and at just 18 years old, he was being heralded around the world as the next big thing. He had just won the Golden Boot at the Under-20 World Cup for Argentina, was awarded the Golden Ball (best player of the tournament), and was incredibly voted the Argentine footballer of the year, a teenager regarded as better than anyone in the senior squad. These accomplishments occurred while he wore Nike cleats like Tiempo, Mercurial, and T90. While the reason isn't publicly known what exactly caused the split, it has long been rumored that Nike missed a request from Messi's father, Jorge, for some tracksuits to be sent over to Argentina; this perceived slight, along with other factors behind the scenes led to adidas making a once in a lifetime offer that Messi accepted and signed early in 2006. Since then, that deal has been extended numerous times, with adidas currently paying Messi around $20 million annually.
Next for the soccer star and The Brand With The Three Stripes is a Unity Purple Collection featuring the Samba OG and F50 Freestyle 24. Having used the Samba OG for previous collaborations between the two, it is no surprise to see it here again. The white-based leather upper on this pair is contrasted by unity purple hues found on the back heel tab and Three Stripes branding on the sides. Lucid Lemon is seen via Messi's logo on the tongue and the insoles. A classic gum rubber sole completes the look.
The F50 Freestyle 24 is an indoor soccer cleat with a cloud white upper and overlays of unity purple suede and textile fabrics. Lucid Lemon hits the Three Stripes branding, along with a stripe accenting from the toe area towards the rear that also carries the Messi moniker. Messi's logo appears on the back heels, while underfoot lies a translucent rubber sole for improved grip, which finishes the design.
The Lionel Messi x adidas Unity Purple Pack is set to release on October 10, 2024, through adidas and select retailers in-store and online. Coming in men's sizing, retail is set at $100. Download the Sole Retriever mobile app for updates on the latest from adidas and more in the sneaker and streetwear world.
Images via adidas
Lionel Messi x adidas Samba OG Unity Purple
Lionel Messi x adidas F50 Freestyle 24 Unity Purple
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Craig Bell happily talks about sneakers or as he calls them "trainers" every day of the year. An avid Bradford City fan, he's also a big supporter of the Philadelphia Eagles. He will forever profess that Cricket is better than Baseball and that Rugby League is better then Rugby Union. Among his many hot takes, he believes the adidas ZX range is the pinnacle of sneaker design.
