Gilberto Mora, the 18-year-old midfielder for Xolos de Tijuana, has been honored with a prestigious opportunity that places him among soccer’s most promising young talents. The Mexican player was chosen by Lionel Messi to participate in the third season of the Adidas Messi +10 campaign, a program spotlighting emerging football stars from around the world.
A special recognition from Lionel Messi
As part of this exclusive initiative, Mora was gifted a pair of Adidas F50 cleats from Messi’s signature collection. This campaign features a select group of ten young players, including names like Max Dowman, Can Uzun, and Tomás Aranda, who have been recognized for their potential and dedication to the sport.
On أكتوبر 28, 2026, Mora debuted his new cleats in a competitive match, helping Xolos de Tijuana secure a 1-1 draw against Club América. This moment marked a significant milestone in his career, symbolizing both personal achievement and the trust placed in him by one of football’s greatest icons.
Mora’s message of thanks to Messi
Expressing his gratitude on social media, Mora shared his excitement about being part of the international campaign. He publicly thanked Messi and Adidas for selecting him, highlighting the honor of wearing cleats associated with the Argentine superstar.
“An honor to be part of Messi +10. Thank you @leomessi and @adidasfootball for choosing me. Wearing your cleats will be a dream,” Mora wrote, capturing the significance of this unique opportunity in his young career.