Beyond Ordinary: The Extraordinary 3D Printed Packaging for Lionel Messi’s Ballon d’Or Glory

In a stunning display of innovation and craftsmanship, Adidas, in collaboration with WASP, unveiled a remarkable custom-made packaging for football legend Lionel Messi’s 8th Ballon d’Or win. This bespoke creation, a dodecahedron-shaped shoebox resembling a soccer ball, stood as a testament to both Messi’s unparalleled talent and the cutting-edge capabilities of 3D printing technology.

Adidas approached WASP with a visionary concept: to craft a truly unique packaging solution for a special gift dedicated to Messi’s momentous achievement. The challenge was formidable yet exhilarating – to design a shoebox that not only captured the essence of the sport but also housed a limited edition pair of shoes tailored specifically for the maestro himself. Enter the WASP 4070 ZX, a professional-grade 3D printer renowned for its precision and versatility with technical materials such as nylon carbon. This state-of-the-art machine became the cornerstone of the project, enabling the realization of intricate designs with unparalleled accuracy.

The design process was meticulous, with the overall model divided into four distinct components: the top and bottom halves of the dodecahedron, a fitting platform for the shoes, and a small cover for the top part. Each piece was meticulously crafted using nylon carbon, ensuring both durability and aesthetic appeal. The printing process itself was a feat of engineering, requiring over 200 hours of continuous operation. The WASP 4070 ZX’s all-metal double gear extruders proved instrumental, providing twice the grip and three times the force compared to conventional extruders. Furthermore, the patented Vacuum Active Control (VAC) system ensured flawless prints, free from any imperfections or micro-movements. Once the individual pieces were printed, the assembly process began, requiring precision and attention to detail. Each component had to fit seamlessly with the others, culminating in the creation of the full box. The top and bottom halves were ingeniously connected by a hinge conjunction, allowing for effortless access to the coveted contents within.

As the finishing touches were applied, anticipation grew for the momentous occasion when Messi would receive this exceptional gift. Following the 2023 Ballon d’Or Ceremony in Paris, the custom-made packaging was presented to Messi by Adidas, a testament to his unparalleled achievements on the field. In crafting this masterpiece, Adidas and WASP have not only celebrated Messi’s unparalleled talent but also showcased the boundless potential of 3D printing technology in the realm of design and innovation.