Lionel Messi’s historic eighth Ballon d’Or is getting the star treatment.
After winning his eighth award on October 30th, Adidas released a commemorative boot to celebrate the occasion.
Named El Ocho, the newest pair of cleats in Messi’s Crazyfast.1 line are gold-colored shoes that honor the career achievements of the Argentine. The soccer balls on the footwear represent the eight times the World Cup winner has received the award.
Lined on the outside of the boot are the words “El Mejor Del Mundo” which translates in English to ‘The Best in the World.’
Additionally, Messi inscribed the names of his three sons, Ciro, Thiago, and Mateo on the cleats.
The 36-year-old will get to wear the shoes for the first time during Argentina’s World Cup qualifiers on November 16th and 21st.
Messi: Inter Miami’s Talisman
Messi joined Inter Miami in the summer to raucous fanfare.
The ex-Barcelona captain immediately had an impact on the team, leading them to its first trophy in club history with a Leagues Cup victory.
The Argentine pushed Inter Miami into the upper echelon of world football. The club has seen its star power rise, with jersey sales and social media following continuing to increase.
Unfortunately, the Herons couldn’t capitalize on that summer success by making the playoffs. The team’s poor late-season run saw them falter in the end, failing to make the postseason.
As the club shifts focus to 2024, it will be imperative that they bring in players to complement Messi’s playing style.
The midfielder has shown that he’s still the best player in the world. In order for Miami to take advantage of his attacking talents, they’ll have to revamp the roster if they want to challenge for MLS Cup.