There are no longer words that explain what the figure of Leo Messi represents for the history of world football. Each title and individual award that he wins further enhances his legend. Something similar happened on the night of October 30, when the Argentine star received his eighth Ballon d'Or after an emotional gala at the Châtelet Theater in Paris.
The magazine that is in charge of delivering the awards, France Football, once again named the player from Rosario as the winner. Something that he had already done in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021 and, now, 2023. Although, of course, this last one is the most special because it comes after the consecration of the Argentine National Team in the World Cup in Qatar Last December.
But the Ballon d'Or was not the only thing that the world champion took away from the gala. Because Adidas, the brand that dresses him both in his current club, Inter Miami, and when he wears the albiceleste shirt, and with which he has an exclusivity contract, decided to give him a gift that seeks to emulate the NBA.
Thus, the German brand presented eight rings - for his eight Ballon d'Ors - to the man from Rosario. The same thing that the American league does, which instead of giving a medal to the season's champions, gives them a ring.
These rings that Adidas gave to Messi have a special meaning because each one marks a relevant moment in his career.
Adidas compared Messi to Bill Russel, who with 11 rings, is the player with the most titles in the history of American basketball.
The former Boston Celtics center who died in the middle of last year, won 11 rings with the team in his 13 seasons played. A mark that no other basketball player could match until now.
