Messi Is Getting a New Adidas Samba Sneaker With Gold Detailing to Match His Bounty of Trophies

Ian Servantes

12 June 2024 at 2:44 pm·2-min read

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If you want to find a trophy to match Lionel Messi‘s newest sneaker from Adidas, you’ll have no shortage of options. It could be one of his record eight Ballon d’Or awards, six European Gold Shoes or the World Cup he finally put his hands on for Argentina in 2022, just to name a few.

The Lionel Messi x Adidas Samba will release later in June with a fourth colorway for the year. The latest takes on a black and gold color scheme for its upper, which includes his personal logo on the tongue in the metallic shade. Matching the Messi mark are the mustache and Three Stripes motif at midfoot, as well as the classic Samba debossing in gold. Black leather and suede then make up the rest of the upper, while the cupsole arrives in its familiar translucent gum treatment.

Adidas has made a greater effort to leverage Messi’s superstardom through sneakers this year, with one colorway invoking the colors of Argentina and two more pulled from his Inter Miami team. A Gazelle and Samba pack will also release this week in collaboration with Inter Miami and features the pink and teal color pairing often associated with South Beach.

On Monday, Adidas released an unprecedented report on the economic impact it’s seen since Messi’s move to the United States. Unsurprisingly, Messi’s jersey is the most popular in the MLS, and visits to his dedicated Adidas microsite increased by 60 percent in the 12 months leading up to May 1.

In Footwear News’ recent cover story starring Messi and Adidas chief operating officer Bjørn Gilden, the Argentinian said of soccer’s growth in the U.S.: “It’s a global game that will continue to gain momentum and popularity. The local tournament is competitive, and adding Mexican teams in the Leagues Cup also makes it attractive. Also, at a country level, the Copa America, the Club World Cup 2025, the 2026 World Cup, pushes a lot. And more and more international players are coming to the league.”

The Lionel Messi x Adidas Samba in black and gold will release June 20 via Foot Locker. Sizing will be available for men and grade schoolers, with pricing for the former set at $100.

About the Author:

Ian Servantes is a Senior Trending News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.

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