During Barcelona’s match against Las Palmas last Saturday, something caught everyone’s attention. A photo showed Lamine Yamal’s boots, and fans noticed a surprising detail—Messi’s name was written on them!

While Yamal has used this boot model before, the placement of Messi’s name on a less visible part of the sole caught many fans by surprise.

So, why was Messi's name there? The answer lies in a unique collaboration with Adidas, the German sportswear giant that sponsors both Messi and Yamal.

As part of a special campaign, Adidas asked Messi to choose 10 rising stars to wear his name on their boots, showcasing his influence on the next generation of football talent.

Among the chosen players were Lamine Yamal and Vicky Lopez, two of Barcelona’s most exciting young prospects from the men’s and women’s teams.

The other players selected for this campaign include:

• Joel Ndala (Manchester City Academy)

• Claudio Echeverri (River Plate)

• Kenan Yildiz (Juventus)

• Jaedyn Shaw (San Diego Wave, NWSL)

• Antonio Nusa (Club Brugge)

• Eliesse Ben Seghir (AS Monaco)

• Assan Ouedraogo (Schalke 04)

• Cavan Sullivan (DC United Academy)

Each of these players represents the future of football, and Messi’s gesture is a nod to their potential to carry the game forward.

Why Did Messi Choose Yamal?

Messi’s connection with Barcelona runs deep, so it’s no surprise he chose two of the club’s brightest stars—Lamine Yamal and Vicky Lopez.

At just 16 years old, Yamal is already making waves as one of the most promising players in world football. His composure, skills, and confidence on the pitch remind many fans of Messi’s early days at Camp Nou.

By wearing boots with Messi’s name, Yamal not only pays tribute to the Argentine legend but also signals that he’s ready to follow in the footsteps of the greatest player of all time.