In a grand celebration of his record-extending eighth Ballon d’Or title, global sportswear giant Adidas has bestowed Lionel Messi with eight remarkable 14-karat gold championship rings, each bearing a unique and heartfelt significance. The 36-year-old football legend, Lionel Messi, emerged victorious once again, surpassing competitors Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe to claim the coveted Ballon d’Or at the prestigious Theatre du Chatelet in Paris.
This extraordinary tribute from Adidas comes on the heels of Messi’s pivotal role in Argentina’s historic World Cup victory. The German sportswear brand, one of Messi’s sponsors, left no stone unturned to honor the prolific forward. Their extravagant gift to Messi includes eight remarkable gold championship rings, one of which bears the number “91” to commemorate his record-breaking calendar year in 2012.
Each of the eight rings symbolizes a pivotal moment in Messi’s illustrious career:
1. 2009: “El Beso” – Paying homage to his iconic celebration during the Champions League final against Manchester United when he passionately kissed the Barcelona badge.
2. 2010: “Apunta Al Cielo” – A touching tribute to Messi’s celebration dedicated to his grandmother, Celia, where he pointed to the sky as a symbol of remembrance and gratitude.
3. 2011: “GOAT” – Celebrating Messi’s role in Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona side, often regarded as the best in history, as he epitomized the ethos of the greatest of all time.
4. 2012: “91” – A testament to his exceptional season when Messi scored an astonishing 91 goals in a single calendar year, a feat nearly impossible to surpass.
5. 2015: “Champions League Triumph” – Honoring his vital contribution to Barcelona’s 2015 Champions League victory, securing their fourth title in the competition.
6. 2019: “Golden Shoe Excellence” – Recognizing Messi’s Golden Shoe win in 2019, cementing his status as the player with the most Golden Shoe awards in history.
7. 2021: “South American Champion” – Celebrating Messi’s position as the top scorer in Argentina’s Copa America victory, highlighting his significant impact on the international stage.
8. 2023: “Argentina World Champion” – The final ring, adorned with three stars, marks Argentina’s triumphant victory in the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
In conjunction with the grand gesture, Adidas shared a video of Messi on their social media platforms, captioned, “The greatest, as we’ve told you again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and again.” Messi’s remarkable career and achievements continue to be celebrated and acknowledged by fans and sponsors alike, solidifying his status as a true football legend.
