ARGENTINA NATIONAL TEAM
Fifa World Cup “ITALIA 90”
Italy vs Argentina
Match Worn Shirt
Maradona Diego Armando
Did you Know?
Maradona captained Argentina again in the 1990 World Cup in Italy to yet another World Cup final. An ankle injury affected his overall performance, and he was much less dominant than four years earlier. After losing their opening game to Cameroon at the San Siro in Milan, Argentina were almost eliminated in the first round, only qualifying in third position from their group. In the round of 16 match against Brazil in Turin, Claudio Caniggia scored the only goal after being set up by Maradona. In the quarter-final, Argentina faced Yugoslavia in Florence; the match ending 0–0 after 120 minutes, and Argentina advancing on penalty kicks, despite Maradona missing one in the shootout with a weak shot to the goalkeeper’s right. The semi-final against the host nation Italy at Maradona’s club stadium in Naples, the Stadio San Paolo, was also resolved on penalties after a 1–1 draw. This time, however, Maradona was successful with his effort, daringly rolling the ball into the net with an almost exact replica of his missed shot in the previous round. At the final in Rome, Argentina lost 1–0 to West Germany, the only goal being a penalty by Andreas Brehme in the 85th minute after a controversial foul on Rudi Völler.
Things to Know:
This shirt was issued for Diego Armando Maradona for the Fifa World Cup “Italia 90” semi-final against Italy which took place in Napoli. Played on 3 July, the showdown exceeded all expectations, as “La Squadra Azzurra” and “La Albiceleste” served up what was without doubt one of the most vibrant and unforgettable matches of the whole competition. On one side were three-time world champions Italy, a global footballing powerhouse hosting the FIFA World Cup™ for the first time in 56 years. On the other were an Argentina team looking to retain the title they won at Mexico 1986 and boasting the legendary Diego Maradona in their ranks. The Maradona factor lent a touch of controversy to the game. Staged as it was at Naples’ Stadio San Paolo, the local “tifosi” were torn between supporting the Napoli idol and their national team, adding to the spice of a match made appetizing enough by the fact there was a World Cup Final place at stake. The host nation had gone to every length to organize a spectacular tournament, one they had no hesitation in calling ‘The World Cup of the Modern Era’. Ten of the country’s stadiums had been remodeled for the event and two new ones built, while the opening ceremony showcased Italian style at its best and the official tournament song proved especially catchy. With all the World Cup’s previous winners in attendance, each fielding their star players, it promised to be quite a competition. Italy feared Argentina. Despite heading into the game in better shape than the reigning world champions, the mere presence of Maradona made them doubt their chances of success. Though hampered by injury, he remained the undisputed king of world football, while his magical touch was still very much intact. There was also little question that the diminutive genius would be inspired by playing in Naples, his home from home. El Pelusa recalled the build-up to the game in his autobiography Yo Soy el Diego: “It was no ordinary semi-final. We were up against Italy, and in Naples too! When I spoke to the press, I was happy and I said that thing they would never forgive me for. It was true, though: ‘It upsets me that everyone is now asking the people of Naples to be Italians and to get behind the national team.” Faced with the dilemma posed by their beloved Diego taking on their country, the Neapolitans hung up banners that read: “Diego in our hearts, Italy in our chants” and “Maradona: Naples loves you, but Italy is our homeland.” Hosts Italy went into the game as favourites, having won all five of their matches to that point, beating Austria, USA, Czechoslovakia, Uruguay and Republic of Ireland without even conceding a goal. The Italian squad was packed full of talent, with the incomparable Franco Baresi manning the defence along with Paolo Maldini, Walter Zenga in goal, and the young and talented Roberto Baggio linking up with Gianluca Vialli and goalscoring sensation Salvatore Totó Schillaci, who would end the tournament with the adidas Golden Boot in his possession. In contrast, Argentina had been anything but convincing in defending their title. After losing to Cameroon in their opening match, they squeezed through the group phase as one of the best third-placed sides. Outplayed for long periods by Brazil in the Round of 16, they eventually won through when Claudio Caniggia scored the only goal of the game from a delicious Maradona pass. Taking on Yugoslavia in the quarter-finals, they failed to make a one-man advantage count in an insipid 0-0 draw, only booking a place in the semi-finals after a penalty shootout. Adding to the uncertainty about their play was Maradona’s fitness. Carrying an inflamed right foot and a swollen left ankle, he could barely walk. They were the world champions nevertheless, and were determined to remain so. Gli Azzurri made a strong start to the game and quickly showed their intent. The South Americans struggled to settle, though Jorge Burruchaga did test Zenga early on with a powerful right-footed drive from outside the penalty box. With 17 minutes on the clock, however, the Italians went in front, Schillaci tucking the ball home after Sergio Goycochea had parried a Vialli shot. As the tension rose, the Argentinians started to come into the game. Buoyed by the experience of Ricardo Giusti, Julio Olarticoechea, Burruchaga, Oscar Ruggeri and Maradona, they began to dictate the play and finished the half stronger than their opponents. Argentina produced their best football of Italy 1990 after the restart, and pulled level on 67 minutes when Maradona picked out Olarticoechea on the left and the defender swung in a cross that Caniggia glanced past the advancing Zenga and into the net. After 517 minutes of play, the Italians had conceded their first goal of the tournament. Nerves then took a hold of both sides as the chances dried up and the friction levels increased. Extra-time was an inevitability, and when it arrived Baggio almost put Italy back in front with an arcing free-kick that Goycochea did well to claw over the bar. Argentina were reduced to ten men when referee Michel Vautrot gave Giusti his marching orders. As he later admitted, the French official became so caught up in events that he let the clock run on and only called the first period to an end after 23 minutes. A man down, La Albiceleste retreated into their defensive shell, and with the Italians unable to break through, the game went to penalties. Baresi, Jose Serrizuela, Baggio, Burruchaga, Luigi De Agostini and Olarticoechea all converted from the spot to leave the shootout tied at 3-3, at which point Goycochea flung himself to his left to deny Roberto Donadoni and Maradona coolly slotted home to put his side ahead. The Argentinian keeper then guessed correctly again to keep out Aldo Serena’s spot-kick and send Carlos Bilardo’s men through to their second consecutive Final.
ARGENTINA NATIONAL TEAM
1995
Match Issued Shirt
Basualdo Jose’
Did you Know?
Basualdo played 31 games for the Argentina national team between 1989 and 1995 and played for the Argentina national football team in the 1990 and 1994 World Cups.
“Boquita” Sensini debuted for his national team in 1987, and played his last match in 2000. He played in the World Cup 1990, 1994 and 1998. In the 1990 FIFA World Cup Final Sensini conceded the disputed penalty kick from which West Germany scored their winning goal. He helped his country to a third-place finish at the 1989 Copa América, and he was also part of the championship teams in the 1991 Copa America and 1993 Copa America tournaments, as well as the silver medal-winning team at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia, as one of the three over-23 players allowed per squad.
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ARGENTINA NATIONAL TEAM
1999
Friendly
Usa vs Argentina
Match Worn Shirt
Husain Claudio
Did you Know?
Husaín played for Argentina national football team and was a participant at the 2002 FIFA World Cup. Was also a member of the squad for the 1997 Copa América and the 1999 Copa América. His brother Darío Husaín is also a professional football player.He was nicknamed El Turco (“The Turk”). The nickname ‘El Turco’ is because he has Lebanese and Syrian ethnicities. In Argentina, the Arabs are usually mistakenly called Turks since they came to Argentina with Ottoman documents in the 1900s.
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The Fifa World Cup “GERMANY 2006″was the first Leo’s World Cup. Messi witnessed the Argentina’s opening match victory against the Ivory Coast from the substitutes’ bench. In the next match, against Serbia and Montenegro, he became the youngest player to represent Argentina at a FIFA World Cup when he came on as a substitute in the 74th minute. He assisted their fourth strike within minutes and scored the final goal in their 6–0 victory, making him the youngest scorer in the tournament and the sixth-youngest goalscorer in the history of the World Cup. As their progression to the knockout phase was secured, several starters were rested during the last group match. Messi consequently started the game against the Netherlands, a 0–0 draw, as they won their group on goal differential. In the round of 16 match against Mexico, played on his 19th birthday, Messi came on in the 84th minute, with the score tied at 1–1. He appeared to score a goal, but it was contentiously ruled offside, with the team needing a late goal in extra time to proceed. He did not play in the quarter-final against Germany, during which Argentina were eliminated 4–2 in a penalty shootout. Back home, Pékerman’s decision to leave him on the bench against Germany led to widespread criticism from those who believed Messi could have changed the outcome of the match in Argentina’s favour.
ARGENTINA NATIONAL TEAM
Copa America 2011
Argentina vs Uruguay
Match Worn & Signed Shirt
Romero Sergio
Did you Know?
This shirt was worn by Sergio Romero during the “Copa America 2011” quarter-final game between Argentina and Uruguay which took place in Santa Fe, “Cementerio de Elefantes” Stadium, on July 16th 2011. Uruguay defeated Argentina to the penalty kicks and at the end of the game Romero gave his shirt to his club goalkeeper’s coach at U.C.Sampdoria whom we got it from. Romero also hand signed and dedicated the shirt to him with a black marker on the back. Romero represented Argentina at the 2007 South American Youth Championship in Paraguay and at the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Canada where on 8 August 2007 Romero was first included in the Argentine selection for a friendly match against Norway and against Australia, which Argentina also went on to win. After being called up by Sergio Batista for the Olympics, He replaced injured Oscar Ustari at the 2008 Summer Olympics football tournament. Prior to that, Romero played in the 2006 Toulon Tournament, where they were eliminated in the Group Stage. Romero was called up to the full senior side by then coach Diego Maradona debuting on 9 September 2009 in a 0–1 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying loss against Paraguay and playing in the win against Uruguay in Montevideo that saw Argentina qualify for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. He played in all five of Argentina’s World Cup matches which ended in the quarter-final defeat, during which Romero found himself competing for the first choice goalkeeper role with Juan Pablo Carrizo. Prior to the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Romero’s place in the World Cup was in doubt as result of suffering an injury, whilst at AZ. But Romero managed recover from injury and was included in the squad. Romero played his first World Cup match in the Group Stage against Nigeria, where he kept a clean sheet, in a 1–0 victory. Romero continued to remain the first choice goalkeeper throughout the World Cup campaign until their elimination in a 0–4 loss against Germany. Romero was part of Sergio Batista’s Copa América squad in which Argentina, the hosts, lost to eventual winners Uruguay on penalties in the quarter-finals. During the tournament, Romero kept two clean sheets against Colombia and Costa Rica. He retained his position as number one choice under new coach Alejandro Sabella for the ongoing 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Romero was Argentina’s starting goalkeeper at the 2014 FIFA World Cup despite lack of first team opportunities whilst at Monaco. In the semi-final, he earned himself Man of the Match by saving kicks from Ron Vlaar and Wesley Sneijder as Argentina defeated the Netherlands 4–2 in a penalty shoot-out to reach the 2014 FIFA World Cup Final on 13 July, where they lost 0–1 to Germany. On 11 July 2014, Romero was named on the three-man shortlist for FIFA’s Golden Glove award for the tournament’s best goalkeeper due to his performances that led his team to the final. At the 2015 Copa América, Romero saved from Juan Camilo Zúñiga in the penalty shoot-out at the end of Argentina’s goalless quarter-final against Colombia in Viña del Mar; although three takers did not score their penalties, this was the only save. On 21 May 2018, Romero was named in Argentina’s squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia by manager Jorge Sampaoli, but was later ruled out of the tournament due to a knee injury suffered the day after the announcement.
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Andújar made his debut for the Argentina national football team in a 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Colombia on 6 June 2009. During the 2010 FIFA World Cup and 2011 Copa América, Andújar served as understudy to Sergio Romero, the first choice goalkeeper for the Albiceleste. In June 2014, Andújar was named in Argentina’s squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
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“We Are One (Ole Ola)” is a song recorded by Cuban American rapper Pitbull for One Love, One Rhythm – The 2014 FIFA World Cup Official Album (2014). It is the official song of the 2014 FIFA World Cup and features guest vocals from American singer Jennifer Lopez and Brazilian singer Claudia Leitte. The artists co-wrote the song with Sia, RedOne, Danny Mercer, Dr. Luke, Cirkut, and Thomas Troelsen; the latter three are also the producers. Whilst receiving positive reviews from critics, initially the song received some negative reactions from Brazilians over its lack of Brazilian feeling. To change that, another version was also released and the music changed slightly to fit Afro Brazilian group Olodum’s style of drumming – that version being the one that was used in the music video for the song. “We Are One” has experienced commercial success, reaching the top 20 in countries including Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and World Cup’s host country, Brazil. The song went to its peak at no.1 in 3 countries.
FIFA World Cup “Brazil 2014”
The 2014 FIFA World Cup was the 20th FIFA World Cup, the quadrennial world championship for men’s national football teams organized by FIFA. It took place in Brazil from 12 June to 13 July 2014, after the country was awarded the hosting rights in 2007. It was the second time that Brazil staged the competition (the first was in 1950), and the fifth time that it was held in South America. Thirty-one national teams advanced through qualification competitions to join the host nation in the final tournament. A total of 64 matches were played in 12 venues located in as many host cities across Brazil. For the first time at a World Cup finals, match officials used goal-line technology, as well as vanishing foam for free kicks. FIFA Fan Fests in each host city gathered a total of 5 million people, and the country received 1 million visitors from 202 countries. Every World Cup-winning team since the first edition in 1930 – Argentina, Brazil, England, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Uruguay – qualified for this tournament. Spain, the title holders, were eliminated at the group stage, along with England and Italy. Uruguay were eliminated in the round of 16, and France exited in the quarter-finals. Host nation Brazil, who had won the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup, lost to Germany 7–1 in the semi-finals and eventually finished in fourth place. In the final, Germany defeated Argentina 1–0 to win the tournament and secure the country’s fourth world title, the first after the German reunification in 1990, when as West Germany they also beat Argentina in the World Cup final. Germany became the first European team to win a World Cup staged in the Americas, and this result marked the first time that sides from the same continent had won three consecutive tournaments (following Italy in 2006 and Spain in 2010). As winners, Germany qualified for the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup in Russia.
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The 2014 FIFA World Cup Final was a football match that took place on 13 July 2014 at the Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to determine the 2014 FIFA World Cup champion. Germany defeated Argentina 1–0 in extra time, with the only goal being scored by Mario Götze, who collected André Schürrle’s cross from the left on his chest before volleying a high left-footed shot into the net. The match was the third final between the two countries, a World Cup record, after their 1986 and 1990 matches, and billed as the world’s best player (Lionel Messi) versus the world’s best team (Germany). Before the match, Germany had reached the World Cup final seven times (six times as West Germany from 1954 to 1990), winning three (1954, 1974, 1990) and being runners-up four times (1966, 1982, 1986, 2002); Argentina had reached four finals, winning twice (1978, 1986) and placing second twice (1930, 1990). The result marked Germany’s fourth World Cup title and their first World championship as a unified nation. The victory meant that three consecutive World Cups have been won by teams from the same continent, following Italy and Spain in 2006 and 2010 respectively, the first time this has happened in World Cup history. It was also the first time that three consecutive World Cup finals were still tied after 90 minutes. The final marked the first time a World Cup in the Americas was not won by a team from the Americas. In the winning German team, Miroslav Klose, who had become the top scorer in World Cup history in the semi-final victory over Brazil, became one of the very few players ever to have won gold, silver and bronze medals in the World Cup (bronze in 2006 and 2010, silver in 2002 and gold in 2014), joining a club with such players as Franz Beckenbauer, Sepp Maier and Wolfgang Overath (1966–1974).
ARGENTINA NATIONAL TEAM
Fifa World Cup “BRAZIL 2014”
Argentina vs Germany
Match Worn Shirt
Messi Lionel
Did you Know?
Ahead of the World Cup in Brazil, doubts persisted over Messi’s form, as he finished an unsuccessful and injury-plagued season with Barcelona. At the start of the tournament, however, he gave strong performances, being elected man of the match in their first four matches. In his first World Cup match as captain, he led them to a 2–1 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina; he helped create their early opening goal and scored their second strike after a dribble past three players, his first World Cup goal since his debut in the tournament eight years earlier. During the second match against Iran, he scored an injury-time goal from 23 metres out to end the game in a 1–0 win, securing their qualification for the knockout phase. He scored twice in the last group match, a 3–2 victory over Nigeria, his second goal from a free kick, as they finished first in their group. Messi assisted a late goal in extra time to ensure a 1–0 win against Switzerland in the round of 16, before starting the play that led to their match-winning 1–0 goal in the quarter-final against Belgium, helping Argentina progress to the semi-final of the World Cup for the first time since 1990. Following a 0–0 draw in extra time, they eliminated the Netherlands 4–2 in a penalty shootout to reach the final. Billed as Messi versus Germany, the world’s best player against the best team, the final was a repeat of the 1990 final featuring Diego Maradona. Within the first half-hour, Messi had started the play that led to a goal, but it was ruled offside. He missed several opportunities to open the scoring throughout the match, in particular at the start of the second half when his breakaway effort went wide of the far post. Substitute Mario Götze finally scored in the 113th minute, followed in the last minute of extra time by a free kick that Messi sent over the net, as Germany won the match 1–0 to claim the World Cup. At the conclusion of the final, Messi was awarded the Golden Ball as the best player of the tournament. In addition to being the joint third-highest goalscorer, with four goals and an assist, he created the most chances, completed the most dribbling runs, made the most deliveries into the penalty area and produced the most throughballs in the competition. However, his selection drew criticism due to his lack of goals in the knockout round; FIFA President Sepp Blatter expressed his surprise, while Maradona suggested that Messi had undeservedly been chosen for marketing purposes.
Watch World Cup Final 2014 highlights
ARGENTINA NATIONAL TEAM
Copa America “Chile 2015”
June 20th 2015
Argentina vs Jamaica
100th Cap
Player’s Award
Messi Lionel
Did you Know?
This award was given to Lionel Messi by the Argentina Football Association (AFA) to celebrate his 100th cap with Argentina National Team that was the Copa America “Chile 2015” game between Argentina and Jamaica which took place in Vina del Mar, “Estadio Sausalito”, on June 20th 2015. Messi was the fifth Argentinian to reach the 100 caps mark.
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Following the FIFA World Cup “RUSSIA 2018” tournament, Messi stated that he would not participate in Argentina’s friendlies against Guatemala and Colombia in September 2018, and commented that it would be unlikely that he would represent his nation for the remainder of the calendar year. Messi’s absence from the national team and his continued failure to win a title with Argentina prompted speculation in the media that Messi might retire from international football once again. In March 2019, however, he was called up to the Argentina squad once again for the team’s friendlies against Venezuela and Morocco later that month. He made his international return on 22 March, in a 3–1 friendly defeat to Venezuela, in Madrid. On 21 May 2019, Messi was included in Lionel Scaloni’s final 23-man Argentina squad for the 2019 Copa América.
Did you Know?
On 21 May 2019, Messi was included in Lionel Scaloni’s final 23-man Argentina squad for the 2019 Copa América. In Argentina’s second group match of the tournament on 19 June, Messi scored the equalising goal from the penalty spot in a 1–1 draw against Paraguay. After coming under criticism in the media over his performance following Argentina’s 2–0 victory over Venezuela in the quarter-finals at the Maracanã Stadium on 28 June, Messi commented that it had not been his best Copa América, while also criticising the poor quality of the pitches. Following Argentina’s 2–0 defeat to hosts Brazil in the semi-finals on 2 July, Messi was critical of the refereeing during the match. In the third-place match against Chile on 6 July, Messi set-up Agüero’s opening goal from a free kick in an eventual 2–1 win, to help Argentina capture the bronze medal; however, he was sent off along with Gary Medel in the 37th minute of play, after being involved in an altercation with the Chilean. Following the match, Messi refused to collect his medal, and implied in a post-match interview that his comments following the semi-final led to his sending off. Messi later issued an apology for his comments, but was fined $1,500 and was handed a one-match ban by CONMEBOL, which ruled him out of Argentina’s next World Cup qualifier. On 2 August, Messi was banned for three months from international football and was fined $50,000 by CONMEBOL for his comments against the referee’s decisions; this ban meant he would miss Argentina’s friendly matches against Chile, Mexico and Germany in September and October. On 10 September 2020, Argentina FA announced that Messi’s one match suspension was lifted and he would be available to play the qualifiers next month. On 18 September, Messi was called up to the Argentina squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Bolivia in October.
ARGENTINA NATIONAL TEAM
Fifa World Cup “QATAR 2022” Qualifiers
Peru vs Argentina
Match Worn Shirt
Messi Lionel
Did you Know?
This shirt has been issued for Lionel Messi for the Fifa World Cup “QATAR 2022” qualifying game between Peru and Argentina which took place in Lima, “National Stadium”, on November 17th 2020. Argentina defeated Peru 2-0. The South American section of the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification acts as qualifiers for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, to be held in Qatar, for national teams which are members of the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL). A total of 4.5 slots (4 direct slots and 1 inter-confederation play-off slot) in the final tournament are available for CONMEBOL teams. The qualification process began on 8 October 2020. Uruguay’s Luis Suárez scored the first goal of the round-robin. This was a record as it was the third time Suárez had scored the opening goal of CONMEBOL’s World Cup qualifiers (after 2010 and 2014), as well as the fourth consecutive time a Uruguayan player had done so (Martín Cáceres scored the first goal of the 2018 process).
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This award was given by AFA President Claudio Tapia to Diego Armando Maradona to celebrate his 6oth birthday which took place on October 30th, few days before Diego’s death. You can see the moment of its consignment in the video below. In a statement on social media, the Argentine Football Association expressed “its deepest sorrow for the death of our legend”, adding: “You will always be in our hearts.” President Alberto Fernández announced three days of national mourning. UEFA and CONMEBOL announced that every match in the Champions League, Europa League, Copa Libertadores, and Copa Sudamericana would hold a moment of silence prior to kickoff. Boca Juniors’ game was postponed in respect to Maradona. Subsequently, other confederations around the world followed suit, with every fixture observing a minute of silence, starting with the 2020 AFC Champions League’s fixtures. In addition to the minute of silence in Serie A, an image of Maradona was projected on stadium screens in the 10th minute of play. In Naples, the Stadio San Paolo—officially renamed Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on 4 December 2020—was illuminated at night in honour of Maradona, with numerous fans gathering outside the stadium placing murals and paintings as a tribute. Both Napoli owner Aurelio De Laurentiis and the mayor of Naples Luigi de Magistris expressed their desire to rename their stadium after Maradona, which was unanimously approved by Naples City Council. Prior to Napoli’s Europa League match against Rijeka the day after Maradona’s death, all of the Napoli players wore shirts with “Maradona 10” on the back of them, before observing a minute of silence. Figures in the sport from every continent around the world also paid tribute to him. Celebrities and other sports people outside football also paid tribute to Maradona. On 27 November 2020, the Aditya School of Sports in Barasat, Kolkata, India named their cricket stadium after Maradona. Three years earlier Maradona had conducted a workshop with 100 kids in the stadium and played a charity match at the same venue with former Indian cricket captain, Sourav Ganguly. The AFA announced that the 2020 Copa de la Liga Profesional, which is the debut season of Copa de la Liga Profesional, would be renamed Copa Diego Armando Maradona. On 28 November, Pakistan Football Federation’s main cup PFF National Challenge Cup honoured Maradona along with Wali Mohammad. In a rugby union test match between Argentina and New Zealand on 28 November, as the New Zealand team lined up to perform the haka their captain Sam Cane presented a black jersey with Maradona’s name and his number 10. On 29 November, compatriot Lionel Messi scored in Barcelona’s 4–0 home win over Osasuna in La Liga, dedicating his goal to Maradona by revealing a Newell’s Old Boys shirt worn by the latter under his own, and subsequently pointing to the sky. On 30 November, after Boca Juniors opened the scoring against Newell’s Old Boys at La Bombonera, the club’s players paid an emotional tribute by laying a Maradona jersey in front of his private suite where his daughter Dalma was present.
ARGENTINA NATIONAL TEAM
2020-2021
U23
Friendly Game
Japan vs Argentina
Tribute Shirt
Did you Know?
This shirt was worn by U23 Argentina National Team’s players before the friendly game between Japan and Argentina which took place in Kitakyushu, “Kitakyushu Stadium” on March 29th 2021. The game was a friendly match in preparation of the “Tokyo 2020” Olympic Games.. It was a 1-0 victory with a header from Adolfo Gaich and the match was full of tributes. The players and the coaching staff remembered Diego Armando Maradona, Leopoldo Jacinto Luque and Alejandro Sabella. The three historical members of the National Team died in the last year and it was the first time that the Albiceleste played to pay tribute to them. The players came out onto the field of play with a T-shirt that had the 10 on the back and where you could see Maradona lifting the World Cup. There was written the word “Eternally” and the hashtag #ThanksDiego. This was the first ever game played by any Argentina National Team shirt after Diego Maradona’s death in November 2020.
ARGENTINA NATIONAL TEAM
Fifa World Cup “QATAR 2022” Qualifiers
Argentina vs Chile
Tribute Shirt
Messi Lionel
Did you Know?
This shirt was worn by Argentina National Team’s players before the Fifa World Cup “QATAR 2022” qualifiers game between Argentina and Chile which took place in Santiago del Estero, “Estadio Unico Madre de Ciudades”, on June 3rd 2021, as tribute to Diego Armando Maradona. This was the first game of Argentina National Team since Maradona passed on November 25th 2020. The Argentina Football Association did tribute Maradona with this special with Diego’s image on chest and unveiling a five-meter [16.4-foot] statue outside of the “Estadio Unico Madre de Ciudades”.
Did you Know?
This knife was personally given by AFA President Claudio Fabian Tapia to Lionel Messi as birthday’s gift to celebrate his 34th birthday which took place on June 24th 2021. Lionel Messi celebrated his 34th birthday with the rest of the Argentina’s team because of the “Copa America 2021” competition going on.
Did you Know?
This shirt was issued for Lionel Messi for the “Copa America 2021” Final game between Argentina and Brazil which took place in Rio de Janeiro, “Maracanà” Stadium, on July 10th 2021. Messi started his Copa America on June 14th 2021, scoring from a free kick in a 1–1 draw against Chile in Argentina’s opening group match of the 2021 Copa América in Brazil. This goal meant that he surpassed Cristiano Ronaldo’s tally of 56 career free kick goals to become the active footballer with most free kick goals. He also surpassed Gabriel Batistuta’s record of 38 goals in official games for Argentina. In the team’s second group match on 18 June, Messi set up the winning goal in a 1–0 win against Uruguay, assisting Guido Rodríguez’s header to secure Argentina’s victory. On 21 June, Messi played in his 147th match as he equalled Javier Mascherano’s record for most appearances for Argentina in a 1–0 win over Paraguay in their third game of the tournament. A week later, he broke the record for most appearances in an Argentina shirt when he featured in a 4–1 win against Bolivia in his team’s final group match, assisting Papu Gómez’s opening goal and later scoring two more himself. On 3 July, Messi assisted twice and scored from a free-kick in a 3–0 win over Ecuador in the quarter-finals of the competition. On 6 July, in a 1–1 draw in the semi-finals against Colombia, Messi made his 150th appearance for his country and registered his fifth assist of the tournament, a cut-back for Lautaro Martínez, matching his record of nine goal contributions in a single tournament from five years earlier; he later netted his spot kick in Argentina’s eventual 3–2 penalty shoot-out victory to progress to his fifth international final. On 10 July, Argentina defeated hosts Brazil 1–0 in the final, giving Messi his first major international title and Argentina’s first since 1993, as well as his nation’s joint record 15th Copa América overall. Messi was directly involved in 9 out of the 12 goals scored by Argentina, scoring four and assisting five; he was named the player of the tournament for his performances. He also finished as the tournament’s top scorer with four goals tied with Colombia’s Luis Díaz, although the Golden Boot was awarded to Messi as he had more assists.
Did you Know?
This shirt was issued for Lionel Messi to celebrate the “Copa America 2021” triumph over Brazil. These shirts were used by all players after the Final which took place in Rio de Janeiro, “Maracanà Stadium”, on July 10th 2021. On 9 September, Messi scored a hat-trick in a 3–0 home win over Bolivia in a 2022 World Cup qualifier which also moved him above Pelé as South America’s top male international scorer with 79 goals.
“It was clear to me that I had to try until the last tournament and that I couldn’t withdraw from the national team without winning something” Lionel Messi
Did you Know?
This shirt was gifted by Claudio Tapia to Lionel Messi to celebrate his 148th cap with Argentina National team which took place in Cuiaba, “Arena Pantanal”, on June 28th 2021 between Argentina and Bolivia. Lionel Messi celebrated this record with two goals as Argentina trounced Bolivia 4-1 to clinch top spot in Copa America Group A. Messi, who had equalled Javier Mascherano’s Argentinian caps record of 147 on June 21st in the game against Paraguay, set up the opening goal before bagging a brace of his own.
“FINALISSIMA 2022”
June 1st 2022
Italy vs Argentina
Match Used Ball
Did you Know?
This ball was used during the “Finalissima 2022” and it represents the official ball of the competition made by Adidas. It is called “Al Rihla Finalissima”. The Adidas Finalissima 2022 football is a custom colorway of the Al Rihla World Cup ball. It combines a white base with blue and green applications. The dates and official logo of the Finalissima 2022 are printed on the upper. The upper also features the name ‘Al Rihla’. Tech-wise, the Adidas Finalissima 2022 Ball is the same as the Al Rihla 2022 World Cup football. The Adidas “Finalissima 2022” was not available on sale and exclusively released for the game.
ARGENTINA NATIONAL TEAM
Fifa World Cup “QATAR 2022”
November 30th 2022
Argentina vs Poland
Match Issued Shirt
Messi Lionel
Did you Know?
This shirt was issued for Lionel Messi for the Fifa World Cup “Qatar 2022” game between Argentina and Poland which took place in Doha, “Stadium 974”, on November 30th 2022. Argentina defeated Poland 2-o. Argentina went into the game a point behind Poland knowing a second-placed finish would pit them against France in the last 16, but goals from Alexis Mac Allister (46) and Julian Alvarez (67) after Wojciech Szczesny had saved a contentious Messi penalty secured a deserved win which means they will face Australia instead. For Poland, qualification was hanging in the balance right until the end, Czeslaw Michniewicz’s side sensationally set to advance on fair play points before Saudi Arabia’s stoppage-time goal in their 2-1 loss to Mexico put the Poles through on goal difference. Argentina totally dominated the game from the outset, with Messi, clearly determined to build on his match-winning display against Mexico following the shock loss to Saudi Arabia, forcing a smart save from Szczesny with a powerful early effort. The 35-year-old was Argentina’s main creative outlet too, popping up in midfield areas and repeatedly picking out team-mates in dangerous positions, only for the finish to be lacking. Alvarez, selected up front in place of Lautaro Martinez, spurned a fine opportunity from a Molina cut-back, his low effort blocked by a Poland defender when he should have scored, with Marcos Acuna then firing narrowly wide from the follow up. Acuna wasted two other chances from Messi passes and Alvarez was denied twice more in the first half too, the Manchester City striker seeing a one-on-one effort blocked by Szczesny, then having another effort parried. It was Messi, though, who missed Argentina’s biggest opportunity, his spot kick brilliantly saved by Szczesny following a VAR check which saw the Poland ‘keeper harshly deemed to have fouled the Paris Saint-Germain striker as he headed a cross wide. Poland boss Michniewicz made a double substitution at the break in an attempt to change the course of the game, throwing on Michal Skoras and Jakub Kaminski to support the isolated Lewandowksi, but Argentina’s opener arrived within a minute. Brighton’s Mac Allister scored it, finding the bottom corner with a scuffed finish from Nahuel Molina’s precise cut-back for his first international goal. Kamil Glik headed a rare Poland chance wide from a free-kick soon afterwards, but it was all Argentina otherwise, with Mac Allister threatening a second before Alvarez finally got his goal, collecting an Enzo Fernandez pass and curling home brilliantly. Poland were hugely fortunate not to concede again, with Sczesny denying the brilliant Messi, who put on a passing masterclass as he continued his chase for the one trophy that has eluded him. Argentina go through as Group C winners with six points from their three games, while Poland go through as runners-up with four points, advancing ahead of Mexico, who join Saudi Arabia in crashing out of the competition on goal difference.
ARGENTINA NATIONAL TEAM
Fifa World Cup “QATAR 2022”
December 18th 2022
Argentina vs France
Match Issued Shirt
Messi Lionel
Did you Know?
This shirt was issued for Lionel Messi for the Fifa World Cup “Qatar 2022” Final between France and Argentina which took place in Lusail, “Lusail Stadium”, on December 18th 2022. Lionel Messi led Argentina to a stunning World Cup victory, beating defending champions France 4-2 on penalties after an enthralling 3-3 draw over 120 minutes. In a game that will go down in history as one of the greats, France twice came from behind to send the game to penalties. Although Messi will take the headlines, Kylian Mbappe was the first player to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final since Sir Geoff Hurst for England in 1966. Argentina dominated for the opening 80 minutes and looked to be cruising to their first World Cup title since 1986. Messi fired his side ahead from the penalty spot in the 23rd minute after Ousmane Dembele was judged to have tripped Angel Di Maria – although it looked to be a soft decision. Juventus winger Di Maria added Argentina’s second after a fine sweeping move – spearheaded by Brighton’s Alexis Mac Allister – as France looked to be suffering from the effects of illness in camp during the week. But Les Bleus came roaring back into the tie when they were handed a lifeline in the 79th minute as the impressive substitute Randal Kolo Muani was tripped by Nicolas Otamendi. Mbappe scored from the spot for his first of the evening, before adding a stunning second just 90 seconds later to take the game to extra-time. Messi thought he had won it for his side as his rebounded strike was given by goal-line technology in the 108th minute. But, with mere minutes to play, France were awarded another penalty after Gonzalo Montiel was penalised for handball. Mbappe stepped up for a second time and once again beat Emiliano Martinez, hauling France back into the tie for a second time and sending the game to penalties. The 23-year-old took the first kick of the shootout – netting his third of the evening – before Messi replied. But Kinsgley Coman and Aurelien Tchouameni both missed their spot kicks for France as Argentina scored each of their remaining three, with Montiel firing home the winning penalty to win the 2022 World Cup. In this game, Messi made his record 26th World Cup finals appearance at Lusail Stadium. Messi scored Argentina’s opening goal with a penalty, becoming in the process the first player since the last-16 round was introduced in 1986 to score a goal in each round of a single World Cup edition. After Argentina’s eventual two-goal lead was erased by France forward Kylian Mbappé, who scored twice inside two minutes, Messi would score again in extra-time to restore Argentina’s lead, before Mbappé again drew France level. Tied 3–3 after extra-time, the match went to a penalty shoot-out. Messi scored Argentina’s first goal in the shoot-out, with Argentina eventually winning 4–2, ending the nation’s 36-year wait for the trophy.[491] Messi received the Golden Ball for player of the tournament, becoming the first player to win it twice. He finished second in the Golden Boot race with seven goals in seven games, one behind Mbappé. With his appearance and two goals in the final, Messi overtook Matthaüs as the player with most appearances at the World Cup (26), and Pelé as the player with most direct goal contributions at the World Cup (21 – 13 goals and 8 assists). The championship game was widely acclaimed as one of the best of all time, with media coverage heavily framing it as a duel between Messi and Mbappé. Following the game, Messi confirmed that he had no plans to retire from the national team, saying “I want to continue playing as a champion”.
