Lionel Messi, the soccer sensation, is making waves beyond the field as he steps into the footwear arena with an upcoming Adidas sneaker line. This move follows his MLS debut and continues to capitalize on his popularity. Adidas strategically played a pivotal role in bringing Messi to Inter Miami, further solidifying their partnership.
Adidas, recognizing Messi’s marketability, is set to release a Samba Sneaker line in 2024, mirroring the iconic Michael Jordan-Nike partnership. The sneakers, predominantly white with purple stripes, pay homage to the original Samba-style shoes that arrived on the market 12 years ago. Samba, emblazoned in gold on the side, aims to captivate fans with its distinct design.
Lionel Messi × adidas 『Samba』が発売予定。世界最高峰のサッカー選手 メッシ とのコラボレーションモデルが登場。📸: @brandon1an ［リオネル・メッシ アディダス サンバ］https://t.co/96jxegEbJe pic.twitter.com/6tDE9OCQTY
— 𝐔𝐏 𝐓𝐎 𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄 (@uptod4te) January 10, 2024
Samba Originals Tribute to Messi (2012)
The Samba Originals by Adidas, launched in 2012 as a tribute to Messi, proved immensely successful due to their versatility, suitable for both sports and leisure. The brand aims to reintroduce this popular collection to the market, although it still lags behind the legendary Jordan series in terms of popularity.
Adidas’ innovative MLS deal for Messi echoes Nike’s historic agreement with Michael Jordan in the 1980s. Serving as the official sponsor for both Messi and MLS, Adidas cleverly united the two, offering Messi a share of the increased profits resulting from his involvement with the MLS. This bears a striking resemblance to Jordan’s groundbreaking deal with Nike, where he received a 5% royalty from the earnings of his ‘Jordan’ brand.
While Messi’s estimated $32 billion deal with Adidas may seem staggering, it reflects the impact he has made on ‘the beautiful game’ in the USA. This move into the sneaker market positions Messi alongside Jordan in the realm of sports legends turned fashion icons, showcasing the global appeal of soccer and its transcendent stars.
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Messi’s foray into the sneaker game with Adidas signifies a strategic move to capitalise on his popularity, drawing parallels with the iconic Michael Jordan-Nike partnership. The Samba Sneaker line is poised to capture the market’s attention, marking Messi’s continued influence both on and off the soccer field.
