The reason Messi left his deal with Nike ahead of the 2006 World Cup for Adidas has been revealed.
Global superstar Lionel Messi is currently on a lifetime contract with German sports brand Adidas; however, according to reports, he was more or less a Nike athlete before making a U-turn.
The 36-year-old Argentina international is currently making waves with MLS side Inter Miami, and Adidas, his apparel sponsor, was a huge influence in his choosing to go to North America, amid interest from Europe and the Middle East.
What now looks like a match made in heaven between the brand and Messi was, however, due to a 'fumble' by Adidas' major competitor Nike, according to reports.
16:58 - 14.11.2022
FIFA World Cup Messi, Benzema, Hakimi and others join Stormzy in star-studded Adidas advert
Adidas' global football ambassadors promoted some of the brand's new collections in an advert ahead of this November's FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
What happened
Messi's boyhood club Barcelona are currently in an over 20 years partnership with Nike, a relationship that began in 1998.
So when Messi's talent began to shine in the early 2000s, Nike, the kit maker for his club, became an obvious choice, and according to a report by the Mirror, they were indeed in a partnership with him, a lucrative one at that, which saw them supply him with boots, clothing, and other relevant merchandise.
09:00 - 14.08.2023
FOOTBALL Fabrizio Romano and David Ornstein: The Messi and Ronaldo of football transfer news
Romano and Ornstein have built a huge fanbase due to their top-notch and accurate transfer news updates and fans cannot seem to agree who is the GOAT between the two
But according to the Mirror, a book titled 'Messi vs. Ronaldo: One Rivalry, Two GOATs, and the Era That Remade the World’s Game' reveals what ended the relationship between Messi and Nike.
The report claims that Nike was stunned ahead of the 2006 World Cup by Messi and his camp, as they already had a campaign for their stars going into the tournament planned, and it included the former PSG man.
The American sports brand was reportedly informed before the tournament not to include Messi in the campaign they already had a photo shoot with him for, as he already had a deal with Adidas.
07:12 - 26.07.2023
Explained: Can Lionel Messi still win the MLS Golden Boot?
Lionel Messi has started his Inter Miami career on fire with 3 goals in his first two games and questions are already being asked about an assault on the MLS Golden Boot.
The reason for this, according to the book, was in part because Nike failed to meet the demands of the footballer's father, who asked for more athletic gear for his son. This made them feel he was not being valued by the brand.
Also, the report claims that Nike was uninterested in entering a bidding war for the footballer, as Adidas already had him on a bumper deal.
Related content
08:32 - 10.08.2023
Super Falcons: 5 times Nigeria suffered painful defeats in international tournaments
The Super Falcons defeat to England in the round of 16 clash yesterday left a bitter taste in the mouth of Nigerian football fans.
19:02 - 27.08.2023
Lamine Yamal: Barcelona fans compare 16-year-old to Messi after Gamper triumph against Tottenham Hotspur
Barcelona fans compare 16-year-old Lamine Yamal to Messi after Gamper triumph against Tottenham Hotspur
10:53 - 08.08.2023
Dallas vs Inter Miami: 3 key points from Lionel Messi's incredible game
Lionel Messi scored another two goals as Inter Miami came back to tie FC Dallas 4-4 and advance on penalty kicks to the Leagues Cup quarterfinals.
15:41 - 05.08.2023
Lionel Messi: Inter Miami staff gets FIRED because of Argentine superstar
A Lionel Messi fan has come out to reveal how he lost his job because of the World Cup winner.
16:29 - 04.08.2023
Juventus legend gives MLS defenders the secret to stopping Lionel Messi
Juventus and Italy legend Giorgio Chiellini has told MLS teams how they can stop Inter Miami captain, Lionel Messi.
19:30 - 27.07.2024
Ronaldo vs Messi: Arsenal star backs N'Golo Kante claim in GOAT debate
The GOAT debate involving the legendary duo of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi will continue to rage on, long after both stars are retired.