Published : 28 Sep 2026, 05:19 PM
Updated : 28 Sep 2026, 05:19 PM
Lionel Messi’s final appearance for Argentina will come in a shirt designed to look back as much as forward.
German sportswear giant Adidas unveiled a special-edition Argentina jersey for the Oct 6 farewell against Benin at the Monumental in Buenos Aires, with a series of details intended to mark the end of Messi’s international career.
At first glance, it keeps Argentina’s familiar sky-blue and white identity.
Look closer, though, and almost every major element has been tweaked for the occasion.
The Sun of May Takes Centre Stage
The most striking change is the treatment of the Sun of May, one of Argentina’s national symbols.
According to Adidas, the sun has been reinterpreted across the front and back of the jersey as a tribute to Argentina and to Messi’s place in the country’s football history.
Rather than appearing only within the crest, it becomes part of the overall visual identity of the shirt.
Gold Replaces the Usual Accents
Gold detailing runs throughout the jersey, including on the Argentina crest, player numbering and trim.
Adidas says the colour reflects the achievements that have defined Messi’s journey with the national team, while also giving the shirt a more ceremonial feel.
Messi’s Own Logo Appears on the Shirt
One of the most unusual changes comes with the branding.
For the special edition, Adidas has replaced its traditional performance logo with Messi’s signature logo, immediately setting the shirt apart from a regular Argentina match jersey.
The company says the switch celebrates its long-standing relationship with the Argentina captain.
The No. 10 Becomes a Tribute
The jersey also carries a bespoke commemorative sign-off centred on Messi’s iconic No. 10.
The number is framed by laurel branches and the Sol de Mayo, combining the shirt number most closely associated with Messi’s Argentina career with symbols of victory and national identity.
More Than Just a Match Shirt
The jersey forms part of a wider special-edition collection that also includes a full match kit, pre-match clothing and lifestyle wear.
The range went on sale on Sept 25 through Adidas stores, selected retailers and adidas.com. Some retailers are already listing the farewell jersey as sold out, although there is no authoritative global sales figure yet.
Argentina will wear the shirt when Messi makes his final international appearance against Benin on Oct 6.
The 39-year-old announced his retirement from international football after the 2026 World Cup, but was invited back for one final appearance in Buenos Aires.
AFA President Claudio Tapia said the federation wanted its captain to receive the farewell he deserved in Argentina.
Messi made his senior Argentina debut in 2005 and went on to captain the country to the Copa America, Finalissima and 2022 World Cup.
