Lionel Messi's Soccer Cleats Through the Years

Lionel Messi’s cleats have long been a visual part of his on-field identity, with his footwear choices ranging from color-blocked designs to bright laces. The article notes that Messi signed a lifetime deal with Adidas in 2017, and that in 2024 he will receive his own Adidas Samba sneaker, with colorways meant to reflect his Argentinian heritage. It also reiterates that Messi announced his retirement from the Argentina national team on Aug. 31, 2026, though he will keep playing club soccer in MLS with Inter Miami. The piece then walks through key phases of his career, highlighting different cleat styles used in matches spanning 2005 through 2009, tied to specific locations and dates.