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Messi and Bad Bunny’s Adidas collection is a tribute to fans and culture
Lionel Messi and Bad Bunny have teamed up with Adidas to release a special collection that flawlessly blends sports and music. Messi, widely considered the biggest soccer star in the world, and Bad Bunny, a Latin music sensation, are both superstars in their fields, and this collaboration brings their own styles together through Adidas’ iconic Gazelle sneakers and F50 cleats. What makes this project particularly stand out is how much of themselves the two icons have poured into it, making sure to create something personal and unique for their fans.
Messi has long admired Bad Bunny’s music. “We have always liked his music. We have been following him for a long time, and one of his songs is always included in the playlists we listen to. He is part of the mix of music that we always have playing,” he revealed to to ESPN.” So when the opportunity came to work with Bad Bunny, Messi didn’t hesitate, explaining that he was excited to join the project, knowing it was something that would speak to both of their fanbases.
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Bad Bunny is a huge fan of the Argentine superstar. He told ESPN that collaborating with the soccer star was like a dream come true: “I’ve always been a fan of Messi, so collaborating with him is like a dream come true. Obviously, 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. His dedication and effort is what really sets him apart from the rest, and that’s something I’ve tried to emulate.” This mutual respect laid the foundation for their collaboration, making it more than just a business deal.
Both Messi and Bad Bunny were heavily involved in the design process to ensure the final product felt authentic. Bad Bunny shared, “We wanted to make sure that the final product was not only authentic but also something that we ourselves use in our daily lives and that reflects our personal style. We are excited to offer this collaboration to our Latin community. The inspiration comes from our roots and how sport and music intertwine, creating something authentic for our fans.”
Messi echoed these thoughts when he spoke to ESPN about the impact they both have on their fans, especially within the Latino community. “For me, and I suppose for Bad Bunny as well, the Latino community plays a relevant role in our lives. Many of our fans are Latino, and we share that bond of language, culture, and society that is very special. Now that we live in Miami with my family, we are more aware of those ties that unite us as Latinos,” Messi stated.
The collection includes special design elements that reflect both Messi’s soccer career and Bad Bunny’s fashion style. The Adidas Gazelle has a vintage feel, with features such as a twisted toe inspired by 70s basketball sneakers. The “X” on the heel not only nods to older models but also has a double meaning, representing Messi’s jersey number 10. The shoes feature “Benito” and “Leo” written on the side, giving the footwear a distinct personal touch, while the gold sole commemorates Messi’s eight Ballon d’Or wins. The flags of Puerto Rico and Argentina also make an appearance, representing their roots.
Adidas design director Rafael Mayorga explained to ESPN that they wanted the sneakers to feel both special and practical, incorporating Messi’s specifications for a lightweight boot. “We pulled a lot of the boots from the archives, and that’s why it has some things from the first original Gazelle,” Mayorga said. “It’s a very special boot, made to Messi’s playing specifications. Lightweight materials, a gold background, and we’ve added a lot of special details for the consumer.”
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As part of the campaign, Messi and Bad Bunny filmed a heartfelt video where they read letters to each other, expressing their admiration and gratitude. Here are the full quotes from the letter:
“This country would not be the same if you had been born somewhere else,” Messi begins, and Bad Bunny continues: “We were lucky, very lucky. Every year 130 million people are born, and surely no one like you will be born again.”
In the rest of the letter, they take turns, saying things like: “They say you filled hundreds of stadiums just to carry our flag to the top” and “Because you have a lot of talent, but staying at the top for so many years is for very few.”
“Thank you for showing us that when criticism rains down, that’s when you have to become stronger. I can’t remember how many times you left me hoarse, watching from the stands, crying like a child.”
“For all this, we carry you in our hearts and in our legs, arms, and necks. We will never, ever leave you alone because the love of the people is worth more than any coin. There is nothing more to say, you have given us everything. Thank you.”
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