Argentina – The albiceleste legacy
Argentina’s national team, known as La Albiceleste for its sky-blue and white shirts, is one of the most storied teams in football history. With legends like Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi, Argentina has combined artistry with passion, producing unforgettable moments on the world stage. From their World Cup triumphs to iconic shirts, Argentina remains a symbol of football magic and national pride.
EARLY YEARS AND FOUNDATION
Argentina played its first official international match in 1902 against Uruguay. Football quickly became the country’s most beloved sport, and by 1930 Argentina had reached the first-ever World Cup final. Though they lost to Uruguay, it was the beginning of a long and emotional relationship between Argentina and the tournament.
MARADONA AND THE 1986 WORLD CUP
Diego Maradona remains one of Argentina’s greatest icons. At the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, he delivered performances that became legend. His two goals against England in the quarter-final – the infamous Hand of God and the Goal of the Century – symbolised both controversy and brilliance. Argentina went on to lift the trophy, with Maradona as captain and inspiration.
THE MESSI ERA AND WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 2022
Lionel Messi took up Maradona’s mantle and carried Argentina into a new era. After heartbreak in the 2014 World Cup final and multiple Copa América disappointments, Messi finally lifted his first international trophy at the 2021 Copa América. In 2022, in Qatar, he fulfilled his destiny: leading Argentina to their third World Cup title after a dramatic final against France. Messi’s performance throughout the tournament, especially in the final, cemented his place among the greatest of all time.
ICONIC SHIRTS
• 1978 – Argentina’s first World Cup win on home soil, with Mario Kempes starring in the striped shirt.
• 1986 – Maradona’s No. 10 shirt, worn in the “Hand of God” and “Goal of the Century” match.
• 2022 – Messi’s No. 10 shirt, World Cup-winning kit that instantly became a modern classic.
These shirts are not just designs – they are symbols of national pride and unforgettable football moments.
LEGENDARY PLAYERS
Argentina has produced some of the most gifted footballers in history. From Alfredo Di Stéfano and Mario Kempes to Gabriel Batistuta, Juan Román Riquelme, Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi, each era has given the world a player of unique brilliance.
DID YOU KNOW?
• Argentina has won the World Cup three times: 1978, 1986 and 2022.
• Maradona’s original 1986 shirt against England was sold at auction for over $9 million in 2022, setting a record for sports memorabilia.
• The national team’s nickname La Albiceleste means “the white and sky blue,” after the colours of the flag.
• Messi is Argentina’s all-time top scorer, with over 100 international goals.
LEGACY OF THE ALBICELESTE
Argentina is more than a football team – it is an expression of national identity, resilience and artistry. The passion of its supporters, from Buenos Aires to the streets of Rosario, makes every tournament feel like a national festival. With Messi’s triumph in 2022 and new talents emerging, Argentina’s legacy continues to grow, inspiring millions worldwide.
Celebrate Argentina’s greatness with our collection of Argentina shirts – authentic, hand-signed and delivered with a certificate of authenticity.