To celebrate his record-extending eighth Ballon d'Or title, Adidas have presented Lionel Messi with eight 14-karat gold championship rings – and they all have a special meaning.
As expected, the 36-year-old forward beat Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe to win another Ballon d'Or at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris.
Following a campaign featuring a historic World Cup victory with Argentina, many heaped praise on the Inter Miami forward, including sponsors Adidas, who pulled out all the stops.
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The German brand gifted Messi with eight gold championship rings to commemorate his Ballon d'Or win, including a "91" ring to mark his record-breaking calendar year in 2012.
The former Barcelona forward would also replicate a pose made famous by 11-time NBA championship winner Russell from 1996. Check out the video below:
Here is the meaning behind every one of Lionel Messi's eight rings, as well as individual pictures.
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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.
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."
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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.
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.
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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.
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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."
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Topics: Lionel Messi, Barcelona, Argentina, Ballon d'Or
Jack Kenmare