The History of Messi Cleats Through the Years
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Time to read 4 min
Lionel Messi is a name that requires no introduction. His diminutive, left-footed dribbling gameplay helped him reach many soccer milestones, enabling him to reach the pinnacle of the sport. One thing that aids him in this long journey is his choice of mens soccer cleats. From his early days in Rosario to his latest adventures in Miami, Messi’s cleats have evolved alongside his career, each pair of shoes reflecting his growth, style, and the innovations in footwear.
He has been associated with Adidas since 2006. For nearly two decades, the brand has collaborated with the soccer legend, launching cleats that enable him to become a global icon. Let’s take a closer look at the history of Messi’s cleats, from his early days with the F50S to the latest signature releases that reflect his impact on the field.
The Rise of the F50 Mens Soccer Cleats (2006-2014)
In the early stages of Messi’s career, he wore the adidas F50 adizero. It is a revolutionary cleat that helped define his playing style. Known for being lightweight and designed for speed, the F50S were the perfect match for a young Messi as he rose to prominence at Barcelona. The Adizero was one of the lightest soccer cleats on the market at the time, weighing just 165 grams, making it an ideal choice for Messi’s explosive acceleration and agility.
During Messi’s Barcelona peak, the F50 adizero became an iconic cleat, linked to his Ballon d’Or wins, historic goals, and his dominance in El Clásico. The cleats’ bright colorways, including striking metallic silvers and vibrant oranges, made a statement on the field, just like Messi’s presence.
The X Series: Speed and Precision (2015-2023)
As Messi’s career progressed, so did the technology behind his cleats. In 2015, he transitioned to the adidas X series, which was designed for speed and agility, key characteristics of Messi’s playing style. The X SpeedPortals and later X CrazyFast boots were designed to enhance Messi’s ability to make quick, sharp movements on the field, fitting his ever-evolving style of play.
The X SpeedPortal Messi.1, released in 2023, celebrated Messi’s 35th birthday and his 35 years of excellence. The cleats featured a Veloxcity Plate, a high-resilience, lightweight material that maintained propulsion and acceleration performance, ensuring Messi’s ability to change directions quickly. These best soccer cleats weren’t just about speed; they were about enhancing his already near-perfect control and agility.
Messi’s signature editions in the X series continued to feature bold designs with influences from his home country, Argentina. The X CrazyFast Spark Genius from 2024 was particularly notable for its semi-translucent blue and white AEROPACITY Speedskin upper, paying homage to his Argentine roots.
The 2022 Mi Historia and Balon Te Adoro Cleats
In 2022, Messi’s connection to his past was cemented with the release of the adidas Mi Historia and Balon Te Adoro cleats. The Mi Historia cleats were inspired by Messi’s journey from his roots in Rosario to his triumphs with Barcelona and Argentina. The boot featured words and symbols that defined Messi’s career, such as “Familia” (Family) and “La Masia,” referencing the famed Barcelona academy.
The Balon Te Adoro cleat, which translates to “I Love You, Ball,” arrived just months before Messi’s World Cup campaign. The design featured vibrant ‘Solar Red’ patterns that told the story of Messi’s enduring love for soccer. These cleats were more than just functional soccer footwear; they were a tribute to Messi’s deep connection to the game.
Messi’s iconic 2022 FIFA World Cup win with Argentina was another defining moment in his career. The Balon Te Adoro cleats were released right before the tournament, and Messi’s performance on the world’s biggest stage proved why he’s regarded as one of the best players of all time. The cleats, adorned with his personal logo and references to his achievements, became a collector's item for fans around the world.
The 2024 Return of the F50: Triunfo Edition
In 2024, Adidas brought back the F50 Messi Elite FG cleats, a nod to the past while incorporating cutting-edge technology. The Triunfo edition, available in metallic gold and purple, symbolized Messi’s triumphs and was built to enhance his performance on the pitch. These cleats featured a HybridTouch upper, Sprintweb 3D texture for grip, and a sustainable design with at least 20% recycled content. Messi’s legacy, both on and off the field, was captured in every detail of the Triunfo cleats.
The Triunfo boots marked a significant moment in Messi’s career as he played through his twilight years with both Barcelona and Argentina. These cleats were designed for the sharp, agile movements that have become synonymous with Messi’s game.
La Vida Tropical: Messi’s Miami Chapter (2025)
As Messi transitioned to MLS with Inter Miami CF, his cleats followed suit. The 2025 adidas F50 "La Vida Tropical" cleats were a reflection of Messi’s new chapter in Miami. With a Flash Aqua upper and Lucid Pink accents, the design was bold and vibrant, mirroring Miami’s energy. The gradient pink-to-blue soleplate was a clear nod to the city’s tropical vibes.
These cleats were built for firm ground and quick acceleration, featuring the same Sprintframe 360 outsole as other elite FG models. The La Vida Tropical edition wasn’t just a new pair of cleats; it was a celebration of Messi’s new home and his ability to adapt and thrive at any stage of his career.
Wrapping Up
In the world of mens soccer cleats, there is nothing better than Messi cleats. From Adizero to La Vida Tropical, each pair of cleats reflects Messi’s growth as a player on the field. The timeline of Lionel Messi's cleats is not an ordinary story; they will forever be remembered as a key part of his legendary journey.
The Soccer Factory knows the love and passion of Messi fans to the core, so we brought you the latest edition of Messi cleats to our site. In a few taps, you can get your favorite cleats on your doorstep. Not only Messi's latest adidas cleats, but we also have Nike and PUMA favorites, as well as top-tier jerseys.
Grab your pair from The Soccer Factory now to play like a legend!