Lionel Messi gave a goal scoring debut to his new special signature edition adidas X Speedflow, curling a trademark free kick beyond the keeper in Argentina’s Copa America opener against Chile. The boots mark Messi’s return to the Three Stripes’ speed silo, and as such are dubbed ‘El Retorno’.
Ahead of the Copa America it was announced that Leo Messi would be returning to adidas's speed franchise, with the unveiling of the special edition X Speedflow Messi 'El Retorno'. Having worn the boots in training earlier in the week, Messi officially debuted them in Argentina’s Copa America opener against Chile last night, opening the scoring in the game with a pearler of a free kick. The game ultimately ended 1-1, but Messi has picked up right where he left off, with his latest signature style not effecting his performance in the slightest.
The “Tech Metallic/Core Black/Intense Orange” colourway was inspired by the F30 boot Messi wore for that goal against Getafe in the Copa Del Rey in 2007. The “Tech Met” colour is the dominant look, with “Core Black” stripes, while a MESSI + 10 logo on the tongue and medial side both come in “Intense Orange/Core Black”. The on pitch performance also showed off the shimmering chrome soleplate – which boasts that carbon insert – to its fullest.
Personalised details are present all over the boots, with Messi’s logo and the Argentina flag featuring on the sockliners. Finally, a +F50 logo features in “Intense Orange” on Three Stripe branding of the left boot, while a +F30 logo features in the same colour and position on the right.
Absolutely nothing against the Nemeziz line – it's certainly a creatively unique option, and you can't argue with the agility benefits – but there's something that just feels right about seeing Messi in an F30/50-esque boot.
Oh, and if you wanted to check out his sublime free kick, you can do so below. Yet another one to add to his unbelievable portfolio.
Pick up the adidas Messi "El Retorno" at prodirectsoccer.com
