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Messi farewell jersey: Inside unique details of his last Argentina shirt, made just for him
22nd September, 2026 06:52 AM
Lionel Messi’s final appearance for Argentina will come with a shirt unlike the usual one worn by his teammates.
Ahead of his farewell match against Benin at the Estadio Monumental on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, Messi has revealed a special Adidas jersey created to mark the closing chapter of his international career.
Messi shared the shirt on Instagram on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, alongside the emotional message: “One last match… A jersey for a lifetime.”
And while it remains unmistakably Argentina, almost every detail has been given special treatment for Messi.
A different look from the traditional Argentina shirt
The biggest visual change is the shirt’s design.
Instead of the familiar sky-blue and white vertical stripes, Messi’s farewell jersey features a sky-blue base with a single broad white stripe running vertically through the centre.
The design incorporates tonal rays inspired by Argentina’s Sol de Mayo, the Sun of May featured on the national flag, creating a sunburst effect across the shirt. The motif is particularly visible on the back, where it surrounds Messi’s famous No. 10.
The result is a shirt that looks less like a standard match jersey and more like a commemorative piece created for a particular moment.
The No. 10 gets the gold treatment
The most obvious tribute to Messi is on the back.
His name, MESSI, and his iconic No. 10 appear in gold rather than the usual darker lettering. The number sits prominently within the Sun of May-inspired pattern, making it the centrepiece of the shirt.
The gold is not limited to the number. Kit reports also identify gold detailing around the Argentina crest and other elements of the shirt, reinforcing the idea that this is Messi’s special farewell version rather than an ordinary Argentina jersey.
Messi’s personal “M” branding
One of the most unusual details reported by kit specialists is on the front of the shirt.
Instead of the traditional Adidas performance logo normally positioned on the right chest, Messi’s version features his personal “M” branding in metallic gold.
It is a small detail, but an important one: it makes the shirt specifically identifiable with Messi rather than simply being a special Argentina kit available to the entire squad.
On the opposite side, the Argentina crest receives gold treatment, including the three stars representing the country’s World Cup victories.
Black and gold around the edges
The shirt also departs from the usual Argentina colour treatment around the collar and sleeves.
According to kit-specialist reporting, the crew-neck collar and sleeve cuffs are black with gold edging, adding another distinctive element to Messi’s version of the jersey.
The combination of Argentina’s traditional sky blue and white with black and metallic gold gives the farewell shirt a noticeably more ceremonial appearance.
The Sun of May carries a deeper meaning
The sunburst design is more than decoration.
The Sun of May is one of Argentina’s most recognisable national symbols, appearing on the country’s flag and representing an important part of its national identity.
For Messi’s farewell, the motif is incorporated into the jersey itself, with tonal rays spreading across the shirt and framing the No. 10 on the back.
It creates a visual connection between Messi, the Argentina shirt and the country he has represented throughout his international career.
The timing
The timing makes every detail more significant.
Messi’s final Argentina appearance is scheduled for October 6, 2026, against Benin at the Monumental in Buenos Aires, following his retirement from international football.
He will therefore wear the special shirt as he closes an international career that has included Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph and a long list of major tournaments and memorable moments.
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William Muthama
William Muthama is a digital journalist with a focus on entertainment, human interest, and current affairs. Share stories: [email protected]/ [email protected]
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