DRIFT

In a landmark collide that bridges streetwear culture, premium sportswear, and football immortality, Kith, adidas, and Lionel Messi have united for one of the most ambitious drops of 2026. Titled “Kith & Messi for adidas Football,” this collection celebrates two decades since Messi’s world stage debut at the 2006 FIFA World Cup and marks Kith’s 15th anniversary. Co-designed by Kith founder Ronnie Fieg and the Argentine icon himself through multiple in-person meetings over the past year, the capsule seamlessly blends on-pitch performance with off-field lifestyle sophistication.

At its core, the collection embodies what Fieg and Messi describe as “the international language of Messi” — a universal visual dialect of excellence, creativity, and triumph that transcends borders. With six distinct footwear silhouettes, performance kits, tailored apparel, accessories, and even limited-edition trading cards, this isn’t just another collab; it’s a full universe built around football’s greatest living legend. All pieces feature special Kith x Messi co-branding, anniversary crests, and the KXVH monogram, making every item a collector’s piece.

 

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The footwear lineup stands as the crown jewel, offering six unique styles that span performance cleats to lifestyle shoe. Each pair includes co-branded tongue tags, insoles, and uppers, plus a commemorative trading card. Randomly distributed signed and PSA-graded Messi cards add immense rarity.

  • COPA Mundial 17 UltraBOOST A revival of the hybrid silhouette from Kith and Adidas’ original 2017 partnership, this model honors heritage while pushing comfort forward. It features a snakeskin-embossed leather upper, Boost cushioning for all-day wear, and Argentina blue accents with subtle Messi motifs. Priced around $200, it’s a versatile performer ideal for both casual wear and light training. The design nods to classic Copa Mundial roots while incorporating modern energy return technology.
  • F50 Megaride This futuristic performance shoe showcases a sleek, aerodynamic upper in deep blue and black tones with an icy blue translucent outsole. It incorporates Bounce tooling and interchangeable insoles for customizable fit. At $180, the F50 Megaride channels Messi’s speed and agility on the pitch, making it a standout for serious players and collectors alike. Gold Messi branding on the heel elevates its prestige.
  • F50 Walkable Cleat Directly inspired by the first Adidas cleat Messi wore during the 2006 World Cup, this hybrid blends cleat performance with street-ready walkability. In crisp white with Argentina blue and gold accents, it offers a lightweight build perfect for transitioning from training to everyday life. Retailing around $180, it’s a heartfelt tribute to the start of Messi’s global journey.
  • 4 & 5. Handball Spezial (Two Colorways) Premium lifestyle options shine here with two elevated suede iterations. One features an Inter Miami-inspired pink hue, celebrating Messi’s current club chapter, while the other boasts off-white with asymmetric multi-color accents and classic gum soles. Both include textured suede overlays, textile underlays, and tri-branded details. Priced at approximately $120 each, these pairs deliver heritage vibes with Kith’s signature refinement, ideal for off-pitch styling.
  • Superstar A deconstructed take on the iconic shell-toe silhouette arrives in clean white with grey accents and Argentina blue stitching. This lifestyle staple receives special treatment with premium materials and collaborative detailing. At around $140, it represents timeless Adidas DNA reimagined through Messi’s lens of innovation and Fieg’s streetwear expertise.

These six shoes collectively bridge Messi’s on-field dominance with everyday culture, available in unisex sizing for broad appeal.

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The apparel range expands the narrative with performance kits, lifestyle tailoring, and casual pieces. Four jerseys draw inspiration from pivotal career moments:

  • Updated 2006 Argentina jersey replicas with modern Kith twists.
  • 2026 season-inspired designs featuring Messi’s iconic number 10.
  • Goalkeeper long-sleeve jerseys with printed graphics and matching gloves.
  • Additional tracksuits, nylon warm-up pullovers, and socks complete the match-day look.

Off-field, the collection introduces elevated tailoring: a double-breasted suit, short-sleeve crossover blazer, suiting jacket, washed denim jackets and shorts, color-blocked fleece (quarter zips and sweaters), graphic tees dedicated to Messi’s legacy, wool tracksuits, and a leather duffle bag. These pieces merge sport heritage with premium lifestyle aesthetics, using high-quality fabrics like polyester jacquard and ribbed collars. Kith Crest embroidery and Adidas logos add refined detailing throughout.

Accessories such as co-branded footballs and socks further immerse fans in the Messi universe. The collection’s color palette draws heavily from Argentina’s sky blue and white, Inter Miami pink, and neutral tones for versatility.

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This collide arrives at a perfect moment — ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup — positioning Messi as a global ambassador whose influence extends far beyond the pitch. Ronnie Fieg and Messi’s hands-on approach ensures authenticity: every element reflects shared values of craftsmanship, innovation, and storytelling.

The drop launched on May 29, 2026, at Kith flagship stores worldwide and online via Kith.com and the Kith App at 11 AM local time. Drawings opened earlier on the app for high-demand items. Availability spans all six shoe styles and full apparel range, with strong demand driving quick sell-outs at select locations.

For collectors, the trading cards (fewer than 100 signed per design, PSA-graded) add significant secondary market value. This isn’t merely merchandise; it’s wearable history celebrating Messi’s journey from Rosario prodigy to eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.

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Kith x Adidas x Messi succeeds by respecting football tradition while innovating for modern consumers. The six shoes provide options for every lifestyle — pure performance (F50 models and Copa), hybrid versatility, and lifestyle icons (Handball Spezial and Superstar). Apparel extends this philosophy, allowing fans to embody Messi’s elegance whether in the stands, on the street, or in tailored settings.

In an era where athlete collaborations often feel superficial, this one feels deeply personal. Messi’s input shaped designs that honor his past while looking toward the future. Fieg’s view elevates it with Kith’s premium execution, creating pieces that will age gracefully in closets and collections alike.

As football prepares for another World Cup summer, this collection equips fans to celebrate the game’s greatest ambassador in style. Whether lacing up the F50 Walkable Cleat for a kickabout or pairing the deconstructed Superstar with denim for city exploration, wearers tap into a legacy of excellence, creativity, and unyielding passion.

The Kith and Adidas collision with Lionel Messi reminds us why icons endure: they inspire across generations and cultures. With all six shoe types and comprehensive apparel now available, the only question is which piece will you add to your rotation first? This drop cements 2026 as a landmark year for football fashion.

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