Messi Stands Alone with Custom 'El Último Tango' Cleats at 2026 World Cup

Lionel Messi has distinguished himself as the only outfield player for Argentina wearing non-rose-colored cleats at the 2026 World Cup, opting instead for custom-designed 'El Último Tango' shoes from Adidas. The cleats feature a white and blue base representing Argentina's national colors, complemented by gold accents that give the design a distinctive appearance. This choice marks Messi's sixth World Cup appearance and serves as a symbolic farewell to the tournament.

The decision contrasts sharply with a widespread industry trend toward vibrant rose-colored footwear across the tournament. Major sporting goods manufacturers—including Nike, Adidas, Puma, New Balance, and Skechers—have launched special collections featuring various shades of pink and rose for the competition. According to Odinga Nimako, a member of Nike's global football footwear team, the choice of bright colors aims to increase player confidence and enhance product visibility both in stadiums and on television broadcasts. The rose tones create striking contrast against the green pitch, making them easier to identify.

Within the Argentine squad, only three players eschew the rose-colored trend: Messi with his custom Adidas model, goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, and striker Flaco López of Palmeiras, though López began the group-stage match against Algeria from the bench. Ben Warren, founder of BW Boots UK, a specialist in rare and classic football footwear who supplies shoes to multiple tournament participants, noted that while competing brands occasionally follow similar aesthetic directions, the uniformity of rose tonalities at this World Cup is particularly pronounced.

The industry's pivot toward vibrant colors reflects broader fashion forecasting, with the WGSN consultancy identifying "Electric Fuchsia" as a prominent color trend for 2026. This prediction has extended into professional football, influencing manufacturer strategies to boost visibility and player confidence through strategic color choices.