Lionel Messi, the Inter Miami star, has just clinched his eighth Ballon d’Or and has become the first MLS player to receive the prestigious award after successfully leading his national team Argentina to the third 2022 World Cup trophy in Qatar.
Messi, who is still celebrating his recent achievement, seems to be acquainted with the American way of living as he recreated the iconic shot of one of the most decorated NBA legends who was part of the Boston Celtics’ 1960s empire.
Lionel Messi recreates Bill Russell moment
Lionel Messi has yet again clinched the Ballon D’or for a record eight times while overcoming fellow stars like Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbape for the prestigious award. Adidas, as a sports brand jumping into the opportunity to honor the great Russell, collaborated with the Argentine legend to recreate the iconic shot.
This was revealed on X as USMNT Only reported with the caption “Lionel Messi recreated the iconic Bill Russell rings photo after winning his eighth career Ballon d’Or.” The post was accompanied by a goat emoji, which suggests the iconic status of Messi.
Adidas collaborated with Lionel Messi to honor the memory of Bill Russell, who peacefully passed away on July 31, 2022, recognizing his remarkable career. In partnership with Adidas, Messi recreated Bill Russell’s iconic 1966 photograph where the basketball legend posed with his hands framing the rings on his fingers. Messi’s bold act of recreating Russell’s shot is inspired by his pursuit of achieving similar greatness in the world of football, mirroring the achievements of Bill Russell in the world of basketball.
NBA championships won by Russell
When discussing the history of great NBA players, Bill Russell is a legend that cannot be overlooked. This electrifying center had a remarkable 13-season career in the NBA, securing a record 11 NBA championships. He also achieved 12 All-Star selections and 4 rebounding titles while playing for the Boston Celtics.
Bill Russell had a remarkable NBA career, exclusively with the Boston Celtics, and secured championships in 1957, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1968, and 1969. His exceptional skills on the court led to eight consecutive NBA championships from 1959 to 1966, a feat that inspired his legendary status.
To achieve those championships, Russell knew he had to put in tremendous effort on the court. He averaged an impressive 15.1 points, 22.8 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game. Although the NBA boasts many talented players today, there remains the possibility of someone surpassing the legacy of the great Bill Russell.
So, at the age of 36, Lionel Messi continues to perform at an exceptional level, and you might wonder how he does it. It’s clear that his incredible skills are a big part of it, but there’s more to his ability to keep going. Well, his secret might lie in a well-planned diet.
