There are very few brands that are symbolic of a particular player. Some names have become synonymous with their brands over the years, and Lionel Messi is no different. La Pulga has had a lifetime deal in place with sportswear giants Adidas. However, this was not the case during his debut. Unknown to a few, Nike signed the Argentinean in the early stages of his career but dropped the brand for a surprising reason.

The two parties even had a legal dispute, with Messi prevailing at the end. It was a colossal blow for Nike, as Adidas’ partnership with Messi allowed the brand to find its footing across the soccer market. However, what were the events that led to La Pulga severing his ties with Nike?

The rift between Nike and Lionel Messi

The partnership between La Pulga and Nike dates back to 2001. The fourteen-year-old was already a star in the making at Barcelona’s La Masia academy. Like all the players at Barcelona, Messi also sported Nike for four years before he parted ways with the sportswear brand. While all the players at the club donned the goods produced by the brand, Messi took a completely distinct route in 2006, signing with Adidas.

So what went wrong? 

According to a journal published on Wall Street in 2022, the deal collapsed following a minor miscommunication between the two sides. It stated, “Leo’s father had made a seemingly innocuous request for more athletic gear, only to find that neither Nike Iberia nor Nike South America was getting back to him. That was enough to sour the relationship.”

Imagine losing the likes of Lionel Messi just because you could not provide him with more tracksuits!? Well, to Nike’s credit, the side did not expect Messi to grow into a global phenomenon. However, Nike realized their mistake as they took Messi to court for severing the contract in an infamous court case. 

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However, the court ruled in Messi’s favor, declaring that Nike only had a “Commitment Letter” and needed something more concrete to hold on to the player. Adidas capitalized on the opportunity and has done a fantastic job with Lionel Messi at the front and center of their campaign.

La Pulga takes Adidas to new heights

Adidas has benefited a lot following its partnership with Lionel Messi. In 2017, La Pulga signed a lifetime agreement with the side, making him the only soccer star to have a lifetime agreement with the brand. Adidas’ market value has grown from $10 billion to $31.59 billion after signing Messi in 2006. Now, while Messi isn’t solely to be credited for this surge, he undeniably has contributed immensely to the brand’s growth within the soccer domain.

Messi has helped breathe a new life into Adidas’ ventures in the United States following his move to Inter Miami. Following the arrival of the Argentinian, Adidas produced Inter Miami number ten kits, which have become the highest-selling jerseys across North America. The company is trying to cope with the massive demands, as jerseys disappear as soon as they hit the shelves.

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Nonetheless, that is certainly a positive concern, as Adidas is currently reaping the benefits of a significant economic surge. Do you think Nike made a mistake with Lionel Messi? Well, a few tracksuits for a monopoly over the soccer market wouldn’t have been a bad deal!