Adidas Originals has unveiled a groundbreaking collaboration between two of the world's most prominent icons: Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio, universally known as Bad Bunny, and legendary soccer player Lionel Messi. This exclusive collection, aptly named the Bad Bunny & Messi Collection, draws its inspiration from the rich heritage of adidas, incorporating models, materials, and color schemes sourced from the brand's esteemed archives.
Bad Bunny and Lionel Messi unite for Adidas' groundbreaking product initiative
At the heart of this collection are two iconic silhouettes: the adidas Gazelle and the adidas F50 cleat. The F50, which has been a staple in Messi’s footwear arsenal throughout his illustrious career, is celebrated as one of the greatest soccer cleats ever produced. It combines cutting-edge technology with a design that has left an indelible mark on the world of soccer. Meanwhile, the Gazelle has transitioned from its roots in indoor soccer to become a beloved lifestyle sneaker, cherished by fans and fashion enthusiasts alike. Bad Bunny himself has expressed a fondness for this specific model, further solidifying its status as an essential piece of contemporary footwear.
Bad Bunny + Messi + adidas Originals 👀 @sanbenito pic.twitter.com/su1G74BXjj
— Nice Kicks (@nicekicks) October 9, 2024
This collaboration not only highlights the individual legacies of both stars but also underscores adidas’ commitment to merging culture, sport, and music in innovative ways. With this unique offering, fans can celebrate their passions while experiencing the perfect blend of style and performance.
Bad Bunny has been an ardent admirer of Lionel Messi for quite some time, often incorporating references to the soccer legend in his music. Notably, his most recent album includes five distinct mentions of Messi, showcasing the rapper's appreciation for the football icon. Conversely, Messi has also voiced his admiration for the Puerto Rican superstar, disclosing that he features seven tracks by Bad Bunny on his exclusive pre-game playlist, underscoring their shared cultural resonance.
Benito Martinez Ocasio, popularly known as Bad Bunny, articulated the generational connection between two icons in their respective fields during an official Adidas press release, where he remarked:
"Messi's last name has become its own word, a synonym for greatness, courage and heart... Watching him play with the passion he does is a privilege. I compare the love he feels for his country and his sport to the love I feel for music and Puerto Rico. Collaborating with him is an honor that so many people dream of and I never even imagined I could achieve it. Today, I feel so grateful to be able to represent our culture with the GOAT."Bad Bunny
As prominent ambassadors for adidas, this groundbreaking collaboration embodies a profound mutual respect between these two extraordinary figures. Both are titans in their respective domains—Bad Bunny revolutionizing the music scene and Messi dominating the world of soccer. Their partnership not only highlights their individual legacies but also serves as an inspiring example of how two influential icons can come together to celebrate their crafts and connect with their audiences on a deeper level.
Football legend Lionel Messi addressed the collaboration between two prominent Adidas ambassadors, stating in the aforementioned news release:
"This campaign celebrates our fans. Seeing people who follow me and support me does more than just inspire me, it makes me feel very grateful. I always try to give everything I have on the pitch, so it’s great to see that there are people who appreciate that effort and always support me, even in bad times... Music is connected to many aspects of my life, and Bad Bunny is an artist who is never missing from my playlist."Lionel Messi
The highly anticipated Bad Bunny & Messi Collection is set to launch on October 26. This exciting release features the exclusive Bad Bunny & Messi Gazelle sneakers, which will only be available in North and South America. In contrast, the Bad Bunny & Messi F50 model will enjoy a global rollout, catering to fans and sneaker enthusiasts around the world.
As part of the launch, registration for this unique collection opened on October 21 through the CONFIRMED app and Adidas flagship mobile applications. Following the online sign-up period, selected adidas flagship stores will host in-store releases beginning on October 26, allowing customers to experience the collection firsthand. This collaboration marks a significant moment in both fashion and athletics, merging two distinct realms of popular culture.