Messi and Bad Bunny Join Forces for Adidas Collaboration – Exclusive Look
Lionel Messi and Bad Bunny have made waves in the world of sports and music respectively, but now, they’re teaming up for an exclusive Adidas collaboration. The collection, which drops on Saturday, brings together the world’s greatest soccer player and the "King of Latin Trap" to bring you a unique twist on the iconic Adidas Gazelle and F50 cleat.
According to an exclusive ESPN interview, Messi had no hesitation in joining forces with Bad Bunny, admiring the Puerto Rican star’s music and his dedication to his craft. "We really like his music. We’ve been following him for a long time, and there’s always some song of his on our playlists," Messi said.
Bad Bunny, who has won numerous awards including six categories at the Billboard Latin Music Awards, spoke about how soccer’s GOAT inspires his work. "I’ve always been a fan of Messi, so collaborating with him is a dream come true. I admire his talent and excellence in the game, but I’ve also seen him as an example of how to stay humble, let your work speak for itself, and stay focused."
The collaboration, which seems to be a labor of love for both parties, features a unique twist on the classic Gazelle and F50 cleat. The shoes feature a vintage look, with nods to the original Adidas Gazelles and the signatures on the side include "Benito" and "Leo" instead of "Bad Bunny" or "Messi" to make it more personal. The cleat’s sole is golden to commemorate Messi’s eight Ballon d’Ors, and there’s even a blue X on the back and the flags of Puerto Rico and Argentina on the side.
The collection is more than just a stylish nod to the sports and music worlds; it’s a celebration of the impact both Messi and Bad Bunny have on the Latin American community. "For me, and I suppose also for Bad Bunny, the Latin community has enormous importance in our lives," Messi said. "A large part of our fans are Latino, and there’s a bond of language, culture, and society that is very special."
The cleat was even worn by Messi during Inter Miami’s match against New England Revolution, where he scored a hat-trick after coming on in the 58th minute. Now, the team is eyeing the playoffs, and Messi has high hopes for their chances.
Adidas’ design director, Rafael Mayorga, worked closely with the two superstars to ensure that the final product was authentic and reflected their personal style. "We pulled out so many shoes from the archives, and so it features a few things from the very first, original Gazelle," Mayorga said.
The collection is more than a one-off – it’s a celebration of the power of sports and music to bring people together. With a video campaign featuring Messi and Bad Bunny reading letters from fans, the impact is clear. "We’re so proud to work with these guys. There’s only one Messi and only one Bad Bunny," Mayorga said.
So, with the collection dropping on Saturday, now’s the perfect time to follow us on all social media platforms for more updates and discussions on this exciting new partnership.