Soccer fans to design Messi's new cleats

BARCELONA, SPAIN – OCTOBER 23: Lionel Messi (R) of Barcelona duels for the ball with Beram Kayal of Celtic FC during the UEFA Champions League group G match between FC Barcelona and Celtic FC at the Camp Nou stadium on October 23, 2012 in Barcelona, Spain.

Barcelona, Oct 26 – The new cleats of Argentine soccer great and F.C. Barcelona striker Lionel Messi will be designed by fans in an online competition.

The three-time FIFA World Player of the Year winner will debut the new footwear in Barcelona’s Dec 16 league match at Camp Nou versus Atletico de Madrid.

Fans can visit the web site starting Thursday to choose a new colour and design for Messi’s Adidas F50 soccer cleats, while the player himself will choose the style he likes best.

“In soccer you express yourself with your feet,” Messi said of the contest.

“Knowing that your cleats are unique makes you feel special and makes you play with more confidence. I’m excited to see the designs that my fans create for me and I look forward to playing in them.”