Lionel Messi is the ultimate number 10 on the football pitch, and Adidas celebrated his prowess yesterday -- the date was 10/10, after all -- with a pair of limited-edition cleats. The brand only made 100 pairs of the cleats, they were only produced in Messi's size (8.5), and they retailed for $400.
We got the chance to speak to the man behind these special cleats, Adidas Senior Footwear Designer Marc Illan, and he told us what it's like to work with the best best soccer player on the planet right now. He also gave us insight into whether he'd like to see Kanye West make a Yeezy soccer cleat, which doesn't sound that crazy with the American football cleats that Adidas made this season.
Here's what he had to say about not only creating the perfect shoe for the perfect player, but he also gave a peek into what the future of soccer might be.
Is this the first time you’ve worked with Messi?
Yeah, this is the first shoe I’ve done with Messi.
What’s it like to work with him?
It’s pretty straight forward. He makes it very easy to work with. I haven’t visited him yet, but there are specific people who talk to him. So far all of his input has been pretty clear because he’s been with the company for a long time.
How many versions did you have to go through to make the boot right?
He's usually very happy with the uppers, but sometimes we need to work on the sole plate to the right configurations for him and his style of play.
What does he look for most in soccer cleats?
Comfort and agility.
Are you excited to work with Messi?
Yeah, exactly. I’m actually from Barcelona, and I’m a big Barca fan. He’s won everything, but there’s a lot more to win.
Do you friends back home ask you about Messi?
Yeah, definitely, but I can’t tell them all of the information.
Kanye West has done American football cleats. Do you see him doing soccer cleats, too?
Why not? This guy is into doing different things. He’s been successful in fashion, why not in performance?
What’s your favorite Messi moment?
The final of the Champions League against Manchester United in 2009. He scored with his head and his shoe fell off. His reaction was to kiss the shoe. It should have been bad marketing for Adidas, because his foot came out of the shoe, but he turned it around by kissing the shoe.
What do you think of his blonde hair?
The same reaction when he appeared full of tattoos at 29 years old. He never had tattoos, and then he was covered in tattoos. He can do whatever he wants, he’s the best
Is this the biggest project you’ve ever worked on?
Definitely, this is the best. He’s the best player in the world, and you only get so many chances to do something like this.
What are you working on now?
We’re working on Messi’s new shoes for next season, so stay tuned. I can’t say much.
