Argentina 2018 Home Shirt Messi

The Asociación del Fútbol Argentino was founded in 1893, making the 2018 World Cup in Russia their 125th anniversary year. Argentina have won the World Cup three times, in 1978, 1986 and 2022, the second in line with Diego Maradona producing one of the most famous individual tournament performances in the competition's history. The blue and white vertical stripes of the Albiceleste, drawn directly from the colours of the Argentine flag, make this shirt one of the most iconic in world football, worn consistently with minimal variation for over a century. Adidas has been the AFA's shirt manufacturer since 1999.

The 2018 World Cup in Russia was Argentina's most turbulent tournament in years. In Group D, they drew 1-1 with Iceland, with Messi missing a penalty in the process, then suffered a humiliating 3-0 defeat to Croatia in their second match. Sitting bottom of the group, they needed a win against Nigeria on the final matchday to avoid elimination, and Messi scored the opening goal in the 14th minute before Marcos Rojo's 86th-minute volley sealed a 2-1 win that put them through. In the round of 16 they lost 4-3 to France in a dramatic match. Messi ended the tournament with 1 goal and 2 assists across 4 appearances. He was 30 years old and yet to win a major international trophy. He would have to wait until 2021 for the Copa América and 2022 for the World Cup.

This Argentina 2018 home shirt is made by Adidas and marks the AFA's 125th anniversary with laurel details embedded within the blue stripes in a pixel graphic pattern, referencing the laurels on the Argentine coat of arms. The base is white with three sky blue stripes across the front and back. The collar is a v-neck inspired by the 1993 Adidas Equipment-era Argentina shirt. The Adidas three stripes are placed on the shoulders rather than running down the sides, and two gold stars above the badge represent Argentina's two World Cup titles. The shirt comes in size small (S) and very good condition. There are many pulls and a few small faint stains mostly on the front of the shirt and sleeves. BQ9324 is used as style code.