2024 has been the year of relaunches for Adidas. First, they released the Predator 24 to mark the 30th anniversary of the Predator. The Predator 24 was the perfect concoction of the vintage fold-over-tongue aesthetic and modern technology. Now, they are bringing back these beauties from the past, worn by none other than La Pulga.

The F50 was Lionel Messi’s boot of choice throughout his peak, including 2012, when he scored an astonishing 91 goals and 22 assists in a calendar year.

Juggernauts like Lionel Messi, Karim Benzema, Bastian Schweinsteiger, and Gareth Bale have all worn the F50 in the past.

Lionel Messi jumped ship from Nike and joined Adidas in 2006. However, in his initial days with the brand, La Pulga preferred Adidas’ F30 Tunit over its flagship F50 series.

Messi’s first F50 boots were the F50i, which became an overnight sensation after a single moment in the 2009 Champions League final against Manchester United. Messi leaped to head the ball towards the goal from a Xavi cross in the 70th minute.

After scoring, Messi landed on his right foot, and his boot came off. However, La Pulga didn’t wear it but picked it up and kissed the boot to celebrate the goal. Adidas’ F50i instantly became a sensation.

Barcelona vs. Manchester United: UEFA Champions League Final (Photo by Jasper Juinen/Getty Images)

The F50 Adizero replaced the F50i in 2010. Lionel Messi wore the boots for a long time and many of his achievements were celebrated with special-edition pairs. 2012 saw the release of three special-edition F50 Adizero versions to celebrate La Pulga’s three Ballon d’Or wins, his 91-goal record, and the birth of his eldest son Thiago.

Presumably, Lionel Messi will wear Adidas’s latest variant of the F50 in the upcoming Copa America. Copa America 2024 will be iconic for the Albiceleste because they have the chance to achieve the coveted international treble, i.e., winning three consecutive International trophies.

Argentina vs. France: Final: FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)

The last time a team got an international treble was when the iconic Spanish side won two Euros and World Cup between 2008 and 2012.