In celebration of the UEFA Champions League Final, adidas is unveiling the newest generation of TUNIT, the F50i, which introduces the games most innovative upper technology to-date – SprintSkin. Lionel Messi will debut the boot on Wednesday May 27th at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome for the Final. Pioneering technologies and innovative design treatments make the F50i the ideal boot for elite players seeking performance benefits.

“I’ve never felt so good in new football boots. The extremely thin shell allows me to play to my full potential on the pitch. Perfect contact with the ball is essential for me,” says Messi, who has already tested the F50i for several weeks during team training for the Final.

Inspired by Messi’s lightning footwork, the TUNIT F50i incorporates design elements to enhance Messi’s game style. Starting with the strikingly bold cyan-colored upper, the F50i is the first single-layer football boot. SprintSkin, a new proprietary technology, envelops the player’s foot like a second skin and the synthetic material is supple, water-repellent and lightweight, ultimately providing a perfect fit. The ergonomically correct lace structure is enhanced with a thermo-bonded lace cover for optimal fit and ball strike. The complete customization offering TUNIT is known for continues with the F50i model. A complete kit of studs and chassis’ gives each player personal control over their boot per game and pitch.

Starting on June 6, 2009 the TUNIT F50i will be worn by top players from all over the world during the qualifiers for the 2010 FIFA World Cup 2010™.

The TUNIT F50i will retail for $195 and will be available in Messi’s cyan/black/white color at adidas Sport Performance stores, www.shopadidas.com and soccer specialty stores starting in June. The boot will also be available in white/black starting in August.

Others players endorsing the F50i in addition to Lionel Messi (FC Barcelona) and Emmanuel Adebayor (Arsenal FC) include: David Villa (Valencia CF), Samir Nasri (Arsenal FC), Arjen Robben and Gonzalo Higuain (Real Madrid), Salomon Kalou and Ashley Cole (Chelsea FC), Lukas Podolski (FC Bayern Munich), Johan Vonlanthen (Red Bull Salzburg), Jermain Defoe (Tottenham Hotspur) and Steven Pienaar (Everton FC).

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Also see:

• Messi YouTube Video
• ASER F50.7 TUNIT
• ASER F50.6 a3 Turf
• ASER 2006 Innovative Product of the Year