Adidas has gifted Lionel Messi with eight 14-karat gold championship rings, each with a specific meaning, to commemorate his record-extending eighth Ballon d’Or win.
The 36-year-old forward defeated Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe to win the Ballon d’Or at Paris’ Theatre du Chatelet.
Following a historic World Cup victory with Argentina, many lauded the Inter Miami striker, including sponsors Adidas, who went above and beyond.
Messi received eight gold championship rings from the German company to commemorate his Ballon d’Or win, including a “91” ring to recognise his record-breaking calendar year in 2012.
The former Barcelona forward would also imitate a 1996 posture made famous by 11-time NBA champion Russell. Watch the video below:
Messi, Lionel Messi Here are the meanings of Lionel Messi’s eight rings, along with individual photos.
2009: “El Beso” is the first ring that pays tribute to his celebration in the Champions League final against Manchester United, when he kissed the Barcelona badge.
2010: “Apunta Al Cielo” is a touching tribute to Messi’s celebration dedicated to his grandmother, Celia, when he pointed to the sky as a symbol of remembrance and gratitude.
Image credit: Adidas/soccerbible
2011: “GOAT” is a ring that remembers Messi’s role in Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona side – a team that is often regarded as the best in history. “He epitomised the ethos of the greatest of all time.”
2012: “91” is a symbol of his greatest season. Messi scored 91 goals in a calendar year – an achievement that will be almost impossible to beat. The ring celebrates his incredible scoring prowess.
Image credit: Adidas/soccerbible
2015: “Champions League Triumph” honours his victory in the 2015 Champions League, where he helped Barcelona secure their fourth title in the competition.
2019: “Golden Shoe Excellence” is the sixth ring that marks Messi’s Golden Shoe win in 2019 – a title that made him the player with the most Golden Shoe awards in history.
Image credit: Adidas/soccerbible
2021: “South American Champion” commemorates Messi being the top scorer in Argentina’s Copa America victory is celebrated in the seventh ring. It recognises his impact on the international stage.
2023: “Argentina World Champion” is the eighth and final ring featuring three stars highlighting Argentina’s victory in the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Image credit: Adidas/soccerbible
Adidas posted the above video of Messi on their social media with the caption: “The greatest as we’ve told you again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and again.”shows off eight gold ringsCredit: Adidas