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Lionel Messi teams up with adidas to recreate iconic Bill Russell rings photo after clinching record-extending eighth Ballon d’Or.
Following Lionel Messi’s triumphant eighth Ballon d’Or win, the Argentine superstar joined forces with adidas to recreate an iconic photo of NBA legend Bill Russell.
Messi, who recently secured his eighth Golden Ball trophy after leading his national team to victory in the Qatar 2022 World Cup, has garnered a significant fan following in the United States since his high-profile move to Inter Miami.
In celebration of this historic achievement, adidas facilitated a special tribute to Bill Russell, the late NBA legend and revered figure in American sports, by presenting Messi with eight gleaming golden rings.
The Inter Miami forward then strikingly emulated Russell’s iconic 1996 photoshoot pose, with his hands positioned in front of his face, adorned with all eight rings on his fingers.
countless memories, eight rings, zero doubt. pic.twitter.com/AaNIsEDZcJ
— adidas Football (@adidasfootball) October 30, 2023
Lionel Messi recreated the iconic Bill Russell rings photo after winning his eighth career Ballon d'Or 🐐🐐 pic.twitter.com/x4bdO9qgZA
— USMNT Only (@usmntonly) October 31, 2023
Russell’s enduring legacy as a champion continues to stand as a pivotal cornerstone in the annals of the NBA, much like Messi’s indelible mark on the world of football. Over the course of his remarkable 13 seasons in the NBA, Russell emerged as an imposing figure, guiding the Boston Celtics to an astounding 11 NBA championships. Notably, this remarkable feat includes the extraordinary accomplishment of securing eight consecutive titles from 1959 to 1966, a feat unequaled by any other team, with no more than three consecutive championships claimed by any rival.
As for Messi, he is currently savoring a well-deserved break from the football pitch and is poised to make his return for club action in preparation for the forthcoming MLS season, set to kick off in February.