There's been a frenzy on football forums and websites around the globe, after Lionel Messi was spotted training in a blacked-out pair of football boots speculated as the adizero II. We've got some close-up images of Messi's boots so you can make up your own mind...
If Messi is play testing the adizero 2 football boots, you could say it's a bit of an own goal from adidas because eyes are always going to be on the feet of the best footballer in the world. That said, it's a tricky situation for them to manage because if they are developing the adizero II, they're going to need the opinion and feedback of the best footballer in the world!
There aren't too many pictures available and few that can give an extreme close-up. However, from SoccerBible's exclusive images we could speculate these are a new boot Messi is wearing for a few reasons. The lacing system doesn't appear to be as off-centre as the current adizero's, there are interesting markings on the toe and around the laces, plus the studs appear to be transparent at the tips.
One things for sure though, if we get any more info or pics we'll be sharing them with the SoccerBible community. And we'd love to hear your opinions and join the conversations online, on Twitter and on Facebook - Do you think Messi is play testing the adidas adizero II football boots?