Adidas has released the new platinum Messi 15s to mark Leo’s fifth Ballon d’Or win. Platinum because “gold is for winners, platinum is for the greatest.” Perhaps a reference to the special “rare gold” Mercurials that Nike made for Cristiano Ronaldo after he won his third Ballon d’Or last year?
Both Nike and Adidas have released new footwear made to represent, be promoted by, and cover the toes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, respectively. This is an event that seems to happen every other week, but this time, both releases appear to be efforts to reinforce the most simplistic and problematic perceptions of the two biggest names in football.
Nike has created their first ever micro-diamond encrusted football boots to mark Cristiano Ronaldo’s Ballon d’Or hat trick. And, like Cristiano himself, they’re not just for show — he will wear them for the second leg of Real Madrid’s Copa del Rey tie against Atletico Madrid on Thursday.
