Lionel Messi wears Adidas X Speedflow Pro soccer boots in 2023-24

Lionel Messi steps onto the pitch in the Adidas X Speedflow Pro, an ultra‑light, low‑cut boot that debuted in the 2023‑24 season and is now the standard model for his club and national team appearances. The shoe is marketed as a direct translation of his explosive first step and precise finishing, and his current endorsement contract with Adidas runs through 2026.

adidas partnership from 2006 onward

Messi signed his first deal with Adidas in 2006, ending an early‑career association with Nike. The initial Adidas model he wore regularly was the Copa Mundial, a classic leather boot that matched his technical style but added more weight than modern synthetics. By the mid‑2010s Adidas introduced a Messi‑branded line—Messi 15, Messi 16 and Messi 17—each iteration shaving grams off the sole and tweaking the stud layout for better grip. In 2017 the brand launched the Nemeziz family, built around agility and rapid direction changes. Messi adopted the Nemeziz “Messi” version for the 2017‑18 season and kept it through the 2022‑23 campaign, appreciating its flexible woven upper and aggressive stud pattern.

why the switch to X Speedflow matters

Messi’s move to Inter Miami in 2023 coincided with Adidas’s rollout of the X Speedflow line. The new model promises the fastest possible stride, a seamless sock‑like upper and a thin, responsive outsole. The change reflects a shift from the higher ankle collar of the Nemeziz to a lower‑cut design that frees the ankle while still offering enough support for high‑intensity sprints. For a player whose game relies on quick cuts and sudden acceleration, the reduced weight and tighter foot‑to‑ball feel aim to preserve his signature style as he adapts to a different league and climate.

core engineering of the X Speedflow Pro

The X Speedflow Pro is built around three engineering goals: minimise mass, maximise ball feel and retain stability at top speed.

• Primeknit upper – a single‑piece fabric that wraps the foot without seams, creating a compression fit that eliminates pressure points.
• Sprintframe plate – a thin carbon‑infused layer that spreads impact across the foot and returns energy with each stride.
• Dynamic Fit Collar – an integrated ankle wrap that provides low‑cut freedom while limiting unwanted roll.

The outsole combines Pebax and EVA compounds for grip on both natural grass and artificial surfaces, while the 6 mm conical studs are arranged in a triangular grid that spreads pressure evenly and supports rapid pivots.

how the boot complements Messi’s playing style

Messi’s dribbling relies on close control, swift changes of direction and an almost instinctive sense of balance. The seamless Primeknit upper hugs his foot, reducing the space between shoe and ball and allowing him to feel every touch. The lightweight construction means less inertia to overcome when he bursts forward, which aligns with his reputation for a blistering first step. The low‑cut collar removes the restriction of a traditional high‑cut, giving his ankle full range of motion for the quick leg swings that define his signature moves. At the same time, the reinforced toe and lateral TPU zones protect against abrasion without adding bulk, preserving the agility he needs when navigating tight spaces.

comparison with the previous Nemeziz model

Compared with the Nemeziz “Messi” version, the X Speedflow Pro is noticeably lighter and features a lower ankle profile. The Nemeziz relied on a flexible woven upper and a stud layout tuned for grip during sudden cuts, but its higher collar added a modest amount of restriction during long runs. The Speedflow’s carbon‑infused plate replaces the Nemeziz’s more traditional soleplate, offering a sharper energy return that benefits straight‑line speed as well as quick turns. Players who favored the Nemeziz for its aggressive stud pattern may notice a slightly different feel on soft ground, but the triangular stud grid of the Speedflow is designed to perform consistently across pitch conditions.

less obvious factor: branding and market strategy

Adidas uses Messi’s boot as a showcase for its speed‑focused technology, positioning the X Speedflow as the flagship model for players who prioritize acceleration over pure traction. By aligning the shoe with Messi’s move to a North American league, the brand taps into a growing market while reinforcing its image as the innovator behind the world’s most watched forward. This strategy means future updates to the Speedflow line are likely to incorporate feedback from Messi’s play in MLS, potentially influencing the design of consumer‑grade versions aimed at a broader audience.

what this means for fans and aspiring players

For anyone trying to emulate Messi’s style, the X Speedflow Pro illustrates how a low‑cut, ultra‑light boot can enhance quick footwork without sacrificing ankle support. The integrated Dynamic Fit Collar shows that modern designs can replace traditional high‑cut protection, offering a balance between freedom and safety. Players should consider whether the reduced weight and tighter fit align with their own biomechanics; a boot that feels like an extension of the foot for one player may feel too loose for another. Trying the boot with a proper fit session is essential before committing to a purchase.

what to watch in the next season

Adidas is expected to release a mid‑season update to the Speedflow line, incorporating data gathered from Messi’s MLS matches. Observers will look for changes in stud configuration or material composition that address any wear patterns unique to the North American climate. If the updated version arrives before the next international tournament, Messi may debut it on the world stage, providing a live test of the brand’s latest speed technology.

broader impact on boot design trends

The shift from a high‑cut, agility‑first model to a low‑cut, speed‑focused boot mirrors a broader industry trend toward lighter footwear that still offers ankle stability. As more elite players adopt similar designs, manufacturers may accelerate research into new composite plates and knit fabrics that further reduce weight while maintaining durability. The success of Messi’s partnership with the X Speedflow could encourage rival brands to develop their own low‑cut speed platforms, potentially reshaping the market for professional and consumer soccer boots alike.