The Paraguayan artist who painted Messi’s boots hopes to add colour to the World Cup

Lionel Messi of Argentina will play in his final World Cup in Qatar in 2022. Fans will be hopeful that the renowned player would finally win the prestigious trophy that has evaded him throughout his remarkable career. The PSG star scored in Argentina’s 5-0 victory against the UAE in the last World Cup warmup match.
Aside from his goal and assist, his ‘golden boots’ were among the game’s other highlights. The former Barcelona legend’s gold “Adidas X Messi 2022 World Cup Speedportal boots” drew a lot of attention, with many fans speculating that the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner is about to work his magic in Qatar.
Golden Boots
The Golden Boots are inspired by the colour of the trophy, as well as Messi’s shape and flair. The boots are strikingly similar to his vintage Adidas F50s from a few years ago.
Lili Cantero, a 29-year-old Paraguayan artist, has created complex and personalised soccer footwear for Messi. The Asuncion-born artist is working on over two dozen sets of boots, balls, and paintings, many of which are inspired by the Middle Eastern country and its city, Doha, which will host national teams from across the world to battle for the World Cup title next month.
The Golden Boots are inspired by the colour of the trophy, as well as Messi’s shape and flair. The boots are strikingly similar to his vintage Adidas F50s from a few years ago.
Cantero built a reputation for herself by painting soccer boots, notably a pair she delivered to Argentine sensation Lionel Messi while he was playing for Barcelona, which she meticulously filled with a gallery of black and white photographs of the striker and his family. She wasn’t sure whether he’d even get them, but she got a photo of Messi, one of the world’s top soccer players, clutching the boots. That was a watershed moment for Cantero, who had almost given up painting.
Messi’s
Messi’s footwear symbolised a “before and after,” said Cantero, who hopes to launch her own sportswear line and bring Paraguayan art to important international events. “It was a good time since many doors were opened as a result of that, and my career truly began.”
The boots will be shown in 3D constructions replicating the eight stadiums created by Qatar for the World Cup in Doha, Lusail, Rayyan, Al Khor, and Al Wakrah. The remaining episodes will incorporate characteristics from both the Qatari and Paraguayan civilizations.