Two of Australia’s best known speedsters from the AFL and NRL, Billy Slater and Dale Thomas travelled to Barcelona recently for adidas to meet Messi’s strike partner Villa and test their skills against the Spanish superstar.

The World Cup winner presented Dale and Billy with adidas’ fastest boot, the adizero F50, and prepared a series of speed drills to help them ‘find fast’ ahead their own pre-season campaigns.

Slater showed the most promise during Villa’s fast footwork training. Thomas was also quick to impress the Spaniard during a series of rapid fire shooting challenges.

 “Given David Villa’s like a god in Spain, it was an incredible opportunity for us to see him perform up close, learn some new skills,” said Thomas.

“He taught us both a few lessons with the soccer ball. He’s incredibly fast and skillful, and while I tried to stop some of his penalty shots, he got them past me with ease,” Slater said.

The two Aussies later when out into Barcelona streets to show off their speed and skills with the new adizero F50 boot.

“This was my first trip to Europe and I was blown away. It was great to be there with Billy teaching the locals our sport and getting to meet one of the legends of the football world,” added Thomas.

The new adizero F50 boot will launch in Australia next month.

 And the new issue of FourFourTwo magazine is out now with Leo Messi on the cover.

It’s out now in shops or online for only $8.95 (including postage!). Click here

Or also available on the iPad with exclusive extra features. Click here

PC and Android users can snap up the digital version of the mag too! Click here