Adidas goes for gold with stunning Lionel Messi World Cup 2026 boot

If this summer's World Cup is to be the last for Lionel Messi, Adidas is intent on sending him off in style.

World Cup 2026 will be played in familiar environs for the Argentina and Inter Miami icon, who holds the distinction of being the captain of the current club champions in his domestic league as well as the continental and world champions at international level.

Messi has been an ambassador for Adidas throughout his career, which peaked two years ago when he finally lifted the World Cup trophy. He'll turn 39 during this summer's tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico, so his long-time partners have opted for a 'golden hour' colourway for what could be his swansong on the world stage.

Buy the new Adidas F50 Messi Hora Dorada

The Adidas F50 Messi Hora Dorada is the latest addition to the brand's SS26 Messi Packs. According to the sportswear giants, "Hora Dorada captures the warmth and glow of late-day light, reinterpreted through a modern performance lens."

"The boot features a rich, radiant upper blending tones of ice tangerine and pure orange, creating a luminous gradient that flows dynamically from heel to toe.... Metallic gold accents elevate key details, including the three stripes on the forefoot, adding a premium, archive-inspired touch."

Messi and the F50 go foot in shoe. The former Barcelona player has been wearing the classic Adidas speed boot forever and various signature colour versions have appeared on his plates over the years.

Adidas has celebrated major trophy wins and Ballon d'Or coronations by bedecking Messi in fresh one-off designs, and this latest addition is an eye-catching tribute to one of the greatest ever footballers in the twilight of an extraordinary career.

Doubts have been cast over Messi's participation at World Cup 2026 but there's been no substantial suggestion that he doesn't intend to lead Argentina's title defence. It seems highly unlikely the Albiceleste skipper won't take to the field in the orange glow of the early evening and his new boots in June.

Argentina kick off their World Cup defence with a Group J opener against Algeria at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City on Tuesday, June 16.

Their second group stage fixture is six days later against Austria at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, before Group J concludes at the same stadium against Jordan.

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Lionel Scaloni has been coy about Messi's plans for the summer, and the new F50 Messi is yet another reason to hope the Argentina captain steps out onto the turf in Kansas City in June.

What's your verdict? Is Hora Dorada a fitting way to see out Messi's wonderful international career?