Bad Bunny, Lionel Messi Team for adidas Collection

Music and soccer stars collaborate for the first time; Bad Bunny x Messi collection drops Oct. 26.

License Global, Content Editor

October 23, 2024

3 Min Read
Bad Bunny x Messi collection, adidas Originals
Bad Bunny x Messi collectionadidas Originals

adidas Originals has announced a partnership between Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio, better known as Bad Bunny, and soccer legend, Lionel Messi. The Bad Bunny x Messi collection celebrates the connection between music and sports, two passions that unite fans around the world and pays homage to the individual legacies of Bad Bunny and Messi, while cementing adidas’ role in culture. 

Bad Bunny has long admired Messi, referencing the soccer superstar in his music, including five mentions in his latest album. In turn, Messi has expressed his admiration for the Puerto Rican artist, revealing seven Bad Bunny tracks are included on his pre-game playlist.

The Bad Bunny x Messi collection draws inspiration from adidas heritage models, materials and colorways from its rich brand archives. It features two of the most celebrated adidas silhouettes – the Gazelle and the F50 cleat. The F50 has been worn by Messi throughout his playing career and is widely recognized as one of the best soccer cleats ever. The Gazelle has evolved from being worn in indoor soccer gyms to a lifestyle footwear icon and one of Bad Bunny’s favorite styles.

Each model in the collection pays tribute to individual trophies honoring Messi’s status as the best male footballer in the world, with gold hues inspired by the prestigious trophy and design elements like the 'X' stripe heel that reference Messi’s 10 jersey number. The blue accents connect the designs to adidas’ heritage, blending tradition with excellence. Both the Gazelle and F50 models feature the signatures of Bad Bunny and Messi on their famous stripes, symbolizing their mutual respect and enduring legacy. The shoes also sport the Trefoil and Badge of Sport logos, along with the inscription “Bad Bunny Para Messi” on the tongue. These designs transcend their original athletic purpose, fostering a new community that merges sport, music, fashion and creative expression.

Related:adidas, Bad Bunny Expand Partnership

“Messi’s last name has become its own word, a synonym for greatness, courage and heart,” says Ocasio. “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.”

“This campaign celebrates our fans,” says Messi. “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.”

To coincide with the launch, adidas is releasing a campaign commemorating this partnership by honoring the millions of Bad Bunny and Messi fans who have voiced their devotion through social media, in the stands and beyond over the years. At the center of the campaign is a touching letter crafted from the heartfelt words of fans on Instagram, YouTube and X (formerly Twitter). This powerful message is brought to life in a short film featuring Messi and Bad Bunny, who read excerpts from the letter, which begins with a soulful truth for both stars, “This country wouldn’t be the same,” says Messi, “... if you were born anywhere else,” continues Bad Bunny.The Bad Bunny x Messi F50 will be available globally, and the Bad Bunny x Messi Gazelle will be available exclusively in North and South America. Sign-ups for the collection are available on the CONFIRMED and adidas flagship apps, and in adidas flagship stores starting Oct. 26.

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About the Author

License Global

Content Editor, License Global

License Global is the leading news source for the brand licensing industry, delivering award-winning editorial content including news, trends, analysis, and special reports about the global consumer product and retail marketplace.

Through its print edition, website, daily e-newsletter and event publications, License Global reaches more than 150,000 executives and professionals in all major markets. The magazine also serves as the official publication for the sector’s trade events, which include Licensing Expo, Brand Licensing Europe, France Licensing Day, Licensing for Retail, Licensing Expo Japan, Licensing Expo Shanghai and the Licensing Leadership Summit.

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