Adidas Argentina Messi 2026 'Farewell' Kit Linked to Cult 1986 Maradona Flag Shirt
Sep 23, 2026, by Phan Tich Giay
- Messi's Farewell Kit Resemblance: Lionel Messi's special 2026 farewell kit, designed for his final international match, has been linked by kit enthusiasts to a legendary, rarely seen 1986 national flag jersey associated with Diego Maradona.
- Unique Messi Kit Design: The Adidas Argentina 2026 Messi farewell jersey features a unique design with a sky-blue base and a single wide white central band, replacing traditional stripes, and notably includes Messi's metallic gold 'M' logo in place of the usual Adidas chest branding.
- 1986 Kit's Unused History: The 1986 national flag concept jersey, designed by Oscar Tubío and approved as an alternative kit for the 1990 World Cup, was famously vetoed by manager Carlos Bilardo at the eleventh hour due to superstition, preventing its use on the world stage.
Following the leak of the special Adidas Argentina commemorative kit created for Lionel Messi's final international match against Benin on October 6, 2026, at the Estadio Monumental, kit enthusiasts quickly noticed a striking resemblance to a legendary, rarely seen chapter in Argentine kit folklore. Social media posts, sparked by @LaCasacaBlog, have pointed out clear design parallels between Messi's farewell shirt and the unconventional national flag jersey famously associated with Diego Maradona.
Adidas Argentina Messi 2026 'Farewell' Kit Linked to Cult 1986 Maradona Flag Shirt
The special Adidas Argentina 26-27 Messi Farewell jersey breaks away from the Albiceleste's traditional vertical stripes in favor of a sky-blue base divided by a single wide white central band. In a historic first for an official match shirt, the traditional Adidas chest branding is replaced entirely on the right chest by Messi's metallic gold personal 'M' logo, matched across from a gold-accented three-star AFA crest and framed by black and gold detailing on the crew collar and sleeve cuffs.
While Adidas and the AFA officially present the design as a modern, national-flag-inspired tribute tailored to Messi's historic career, kit collectors were quick to connect it to an iconic archival predecessor.
Back in 1986, Argentine designer Oscar Tubío created a concept jersey directly modeling the national flag, featuring horizontal light blue and white blocks centered around the Sun of May. While the AFA approved it as an alternative kit for the 1990 World Cup, manager Carlos Bilardo famously vetoed the design at the eleventh hour out of superstition, leaving it unused on the world stage.
Whether an intentional homage by the Three Stripes or a serendipitous full circle, Messi's farewell shirt beautifully echoes the rebellious, flag-centric visual language once debuted by Pelusa.
Do you think Argentina Messi’s farewell jersey was inspired by Argentina’s 1986 jersey worn by Maradona? Let me know in the comments below.
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Seattle sister clubs Ballard FC and Salmon Bay FC have officially released their special 2026 Community Top, created in collaboration with Lenovo and illustrator Sophia Yeshi as part of the "Your Club Your Canvas" campaign. Developed in partnership with Becky G to highlight grassroots football culture and the vital role of local supporters, the limited-edition shirt features a deep red base covered in an intricate all-over graphic inspired by field notes that celebrate neighborhood landmarks, club history, and key community figures. The jersey is finished with a retro-styled striped V-neck collar, matching sleeve cuffs, and a centralized lenticular crest, with all sales proceeds directly supporting the clubs.
