Argentina are one of the most recognisable international football teams in the world. The three-time World Cup-winning country has produced some of Football’s greatest ever players such as Lionel Messi, Diego Maradona and Gabriel Batistuta. La Albiceleste’s iconic white and blue stripes have produced some of the greatest football shirts in history. In this article, we will look at the five greatest Argentina kits of all time.
1986 Away
Argentina’s first World Cup victory was in 1978 when they hosted the tournament. Despite victory on home soil, it was the nations second World Cup title that is most fondly remembered by football fans throughout the world. Argentina finished top of the group ahead of the likes of Italy, Bulgaria and South Korea. A 1-0 victory against Uruguay followed before a quarter-final matchup against England.
This fixture is widely remembered for Diego Maradona’s iconic Hand of God goal, which controversially knocked England out of the tournament. Argentina wore cotton jerseys in their victory against Uruguay and coach Carlos Bilardo believed their uniforms could affect his players’ performances against England, due to the hot weather in Mexico. It was too late to get new shirts made, so Bilardo sent staff member Ruben Moschella to search the city for a lighter strip.
Moschella was undecided between two jerseys. Diego Maradona pointed at the navy shirt on display and said “that’s a nice jersey, we’ll beat England in that.”
The decision was made later that day, Argentina beat England 2-1 and went on to beat West Germany 3-2 in the World Cup final, winning their second ever title.
The jersey itself was manufactured by Le Coq Sportif and had primarily navy with white accents on the collar and sleeves.
1990 Away
Four years on from the 1986, victory, Argentina were looking to retain their title in at the 1990, FIFA World Cup in Italy. Maradona and his teammates started the tournament brightly winning three out of three games in the group stages. Knockout stage victories against Brazil and Yugoslavia followed.
A dramatic match up against hosts Italy awaited Argentina in the semifinals. This match proved to be one of the most dramatic in World Cup history with La Albiceleste winning on penalty kicks. Extra drama in sued due to the match being played in Naples where Maradona played his club football for Napoli. The Argentina, star, encouraged Neapolitans to support the South American nation instead of Italy. This turned the nation of Italy on Maradona.
Despite this Argentina, first West Germany once again in the finals. The Germans got their revenge on Argentina as they won the final 1-0 thanks to an 85th minute Andreas Brehme penalty.
Argentina’s away jersey for the tournament was manufactured by Adidas. The shirt was predominantly blue with white accents on the colour and sleeves. A v-neck style colour design was included given the strip a classic look.
1998 Home
Although Argentina did not enter the 1998, World Cup, as favourites, they were still hopeful of making an impact at the tournament. La Albiceleste started the tournament brightly qualifying from their group with a 100% winning record. Argentina famously beat England on penalties in the round of 16 and first The Netherlands in the quarter-finals.
A last minute Dennis Bergkamp goal sent Argentina home. The 1998 Argentina, home jersey was manufactured by Adidas. Its primary colours were white and sky blue vertical stripes. A black colour accompanied a centralised Adidas logo on the shirt.
This jersey was a glimpse into the future of Argentina’s long, standing and iconic relationship with Adidas.
1999 Home
Before Adidas’ relationship could truly flourish long-term with Argentina, the South American nation decided to join forces with Reebok in 1999.
The English sports manufacturer created Argentina is jerseys for the 1999, Copa America. Argentina, finished second in the group behind Colombia. It ended up being a tournament to forget for La Albiceleste as they were knocked out by arch rivals Brazil lose in the match 2-1 thanks to goals from Ronaldo and Ronaldo.
The Argentina home jersey, had the nation’s classic white and sky blue colourway. A navy trim was included on the sleeves and collar of the strip.
2022 Home
The 2022 FIFA, World Cup ended up being one of the most memorable of all time. Argentina were determined to win the tournament for the first time in 28 years. Lionel Messi, who suffered heartbreak in the 2014 final loss against Germany, was desperate to finally get his hands on the iconic trophy. A shock loss to Saudi Arabia was quickly rectified by the Argentinians as they beat Poland and Mexico to qualify for the round of 16.
A narrow victory against Australia and a penalty shootout win against the Netherlands set up a semifinal against Croatia for Messi and his teammates. An astounding 3-0 victory confirmed Argentina’s place in the final against France. One of the most dramatic World Cup finals ensued, with the match ending 3-3 after extra time. Argentina would be victorious on penalties and Lionel Messi finally lifted the World Cup trophy.
The 2022 Argentina home jersey was manufactured by Adidas. The vertical white and sky blue classic stripes were accompanied by Navy accents on the collar, sleeves and Adidas logo. This jersey was worn for many iconic moments during the And perhaps the best of those for Argentina was knowing that a third star would be added to the strip after their victory against France.
Argentina and Adidas continue to have one of the strongest partnerships in football, with their relationship nearing its 25th year. It will be exciting to see what La Albiceleste have in store next for football shirt fans all around the world.
