If you were watching the Qatar 2022 final, you saw it. That glimmer of gold every time Lionel Messi touched the ball. Honestly, those boots felt like they were written into the script before the first whistle even blew. They weren't just footwear; they were a statement.
The Messi world cup cleats from that tournament, officially known as the Adidas X Speedportal "Leyenda," are probably the most famous pieces of leather (well, synthetic) to ever touch a pitch. But here is the thing: what you saw on TV and what you can actually buy at the store are two very different animals. People see "Gold Cleats" and think it’s just a paint job. It isn't.
The Secret History of the Leyenda
The "Leyenda" (Spanish for Legend) was a massive nostalgia trip. Adidas didn't just pick gold because it looks like a trophy. They specifically modeled the design after the Adidas +F50.6 Tunit boots Messi wore during his World Cup debut in 2006.
Back then, he was just a kid with long hair and a massive "19" on his back. By 2022, he was the undisputed GOAT. The boots featured these subtle blue and white stripes—the Albiceleste colors—and a "10" on the heel. But if you look closer at the actual match-worn pairs, you’ll notice something weird.
Why his boots aren't "retail"
Most fans don't realize that Messi hates the modern trend of one-piece, laceless, knitted boots. If you go to a shop and buy the high-end X Speedportal, it’s a vacuum-sealed knit tube. Messi? No thanks.
His actual Messi world cup cleats were custom-built in Germany. They have a completely separate tongue. It’s what we call a "burrito" construction. This allows him to adjust the lockdown perfectly. Also, the upper material on his pair is much softer and more "leather-like" than the stiff plastic-feeling retail versions. He needs that "barefoot" touch.
- 2006 (Germany): F30 Tunit (White/Blue). He famously chose the fixed-stud version because he didn't trust the interchangeable ones.
- 2010 (South Africa): F50 adizero (Chameleon Purple). These changed the game. They were ridiculously light—about 165 grams.
- 2014 (Brazil): F50 adizero "Battle Pack." The black and white "war paint" design. He lost the final in these, which still stings.
- 2018 (Russia): Nemeziz 18.1. A "bandage" style boot designed for agility.
- 2022 (Qatar): The Gold X Speedportal Leyenda. The one that finally finished the job.
The 2014 Heartbreak vs. 2022 Glory
It is kinda crazy how much the boots reflect the era. In 2014, the "Battle Pack" was loud, aggressive, and corporate. It was part of a massive marketing blitz where every Adidas player wore the same pattern. Messi looked like a cog in a machine, even though he dragged that team to the final.
In 2022, the boots were only for him.
The gold wasn't just a color; it was a coronation. Interestingly, after Argentina won the final, Adidas had to scramble. The original Leyenda boots had two stars on them (representing Argentina's 1978 and 1986 wins). Suddenly, they needed a third. If you find a pair with three stars today, you're looking at the post-win "Victory" editions.
Technical Specs (The Geeky Stuff)
If you’re a gear nerd, the soleplate on the Messi world cup cleats is where the magic happens. The retail Speedportal uses a "Carbon Fiber" insert called the Carbitex Speedframe. It’s very stiff. It snaps back like a springboard.
Messi’s custom plate is actually more flexible in the forefoot. He doesn't just run in straight lines; he’s constantly pivoting, shifting his weight, and making those tiny, 3-inch adjustments that leave defenders falling over. A boot that is too stiff would actually slow him down.
Also, look at the studs. He uses a "Gambetrax" layout. It’s a mix of triangular and bladed studs that provide grip but don't get "stuck" in the grass. Getting stuck means a torn ACL. For a guy who has played at the top for 20 years, his boots are built for longevity as much as speed.
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What you should actually buy
If you're looking for that Messi feel, don't just buy the most expensive gold boot you see. Honestly, the "Messi" specific versions of the F50 or X lines are usually better for regular players because they often include the "burrito" tongue he likes.
The retail Leyendas are now collector's items. You'll see them on eBay for $1,000 or more. If you’re actually planning to play in them? Good luck. They are tight. Very tight. Most experts recommend going half a size up because the midfoot is narrow enough to cut off circulation if you have wide feet.
The Lasting Legacy
We probably won't see another boot like the Leyenda. It marked the end of an era. When Messi lifted that trophy, he wasn't just winning for Argentina; he was vindicating twenty years of Adidas engineering.
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The boots are currently sitting in museums and private vaults. They represent the moment the "speed boot" stopped being about just being light and started being about being legendary.
Actionable Tips for Collectors and Players:
- Check the Tongue: If you want the Messi fit, look for the "Messi.1" designation, not the "Plus." The .1 has the laces and tongue structure he prefers.
- Verify the Stars: Real 2022 "pre-final" Leyendas only have two stars. If you see three, it’s a commemorative release. Both are valuable, but the two-star version is what he actually wore during the tournament.
- Storage Matters: If you own a pair of the gold Leyendas, do not keep them in sunlight. The metallic finish is prone to "fogging" or peeling if exposed to UV rays for too long. Keep them in the box.
- Sizing Truth: These boots run long but narrow. If you have "duck feet," these are going to be a nightmare for the first five sessions until the synthetic material stretches.
The story of the Messi world cup cleats is basically the story of his career: a mix of high-tech innovation and a stubborn refusal to give up the old-school feel he loves. He won the world in gold, but he did it on his own terms.
Next Steps for the Obsessed Fan:
- Search for Match-Prepared vs. Retail: Look for photos of the "Heel Shape." Messi's custom boots have a much deeper heel cup than the ones you see in stores.
- Look up the 2006 +F50.6 Tunit: Compare the side-by-side. You'll see the exact same "curvy" lines on the 2022 boot that were on his first-ever World Cup pair.