In a remarkable collaboration with Adidas, Lionel Messi recreated an iconic image of NBA great Bill Russell to commemorate his eighth Ballon d’Or win.
countless memories, eight rings, zero doubt. pic.twitter.com/AaNIsEDZcJ
— adidas Football (@adidasfootball) October 30, 2023
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After securing his eighth Golden Ball trophy, marking another milestone in his illustrious career, Lionel Messi further solidified his place in football history. This achievement came on the heels of his instrumental role in guiding Argentina to their third World Cup victory at Qatar 2022. Messi’s triumph is being celebrated not only in the football world but also in the United States, where he has become a fan favorite since his high-profile move to Inter Miami.
To mark this historic win, adidas joined forces with Messi to pay tribute to Bill Russell, the late NBA legend and American sports icon. Messi was presented with eight golden rings, which he proudly wore on his fingers while mimicking Russell’s iconic pose from a 1996 photoshoot, with his hands framing his face.
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
Bill Russell’s legacy as a champion is a cornerstone of NBA history, much like Messi’s enduring impact on world football. Over his 13 seasons in the NBA, Russell was a dominant force, leading the Boston Celtics to an astounding 11 NBA championships. Among his remarkable accomplishments is the unprecedented feat of securing eight consecutive titles from 1959 to 1966, a record that no other team has matched with more than three consecutive championships.
