RB Leipzig's Brajan Gruda receives limited-edition adidas football boots from Lionel Messi
The next time RB Leipzig's Brajan Gruda sets foot on the pitch, don't be surprised if he appears to have an extra spring in his step.
The 22-year-old playmaker, who joined Leipzig on a season-long loan from Brighton & Hove Albion in July, received a surprise gift during the recent international break - from none other than Argentine megastar and FIFA World Cup 2022 winner Lionel Messi.
The package contained a pair of limited-edition adidas 'F50 Messi El Último Tango' football boots. Another pair with the exact same design were worn by the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner in his 208th and final international game against Benin on Wednesday.
The white and blue boots were accompanied by a signed photograph of the Inter Miami star.
Adidas spokesman Oliver Brüggen told BILD: "In honour of [Messi’s] 208 appearances for the national team, only 208 pairs were produced worldwide, one of which he wore on the pitch.
"Selected pairs from this strictly limited edition were also given to content creators, the media, and Messi's friends and close associates."
Gruda has been on Messi's radar for quite some time. In October 2025, he was one of only 10 players selected by the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain ace as the most talented youngsters in world football.
Those lucky starlets were subsequently sent a pair of 'F50 Vis10on' boots bearing the 39-year-old's name.
Gruda went on to spend the second half of the 2025/26 campaign with Leipzig, registering six goal involvements in 13 league appearances to help the club secure a third-place Bundesliga finish and a return to the UEFA Champions League.
Watch: Gruda on target as Leipzig put five past Hoffenheim last term
"I'm a huge fan of Messi," Gruda said after joining the club on loan last season. "He's the best player of all time. [Being chosen] isn't a burden, but a great motivation."
The attacking midfielder may have to wait a little while longer to show off his new footwear, however. The former Mainz youngster has only recently returned to light training after suffering a stomach muscle injury in Leipzig's 2-0 defeat at Bayer Leverkusen before the international break.
Martín Demichelis' side welcome Eintracht Frankfurt to the Red Bull Arena on Saturday evening (kick-off: 6.30pm CEST).
