adidas replaced its own logo with Messi’s on a special Argentina jersey

For Lionel Messi’s farewell international appearance, adidas created an Argentina jersey in which almost every detail carries part of his story.

The special-edition kit retains Argentina’s familiar sky-blue and white colours but adds gold elements, a reinterpreted Sun of May and a commemorative number 10.

Its most unusual change appears where the adidas performance logo would normally sit. For this jersey, the brand replaced its own mark with Messi’s signature logo.

The Sun of May stretches across the jersey

The design draws inspiration from the Argentine flag and its most recognisable emblem.

A large reinterpretation of the Sun of May extends across the front and back of the shirt, creating a graphic that connects Messi’s career with the country he has represented throughout it.

Rather than applying the symbol as a small decorative element, adidas turned it into the visual foundation of the jersey. The sun appears through the traditional stripes, allowing Argentina’s national identity to remain recognisable while giving the kit a distinct commemorative appearance.

The design suggests that Messi’s legacy has become inseparable from the story of Argentine football.

Gold details reflect the achievements of his career

Gold appears throughout the kit, including the federation crest, player numbers and trim.

The colour transforms the usual Argentina palette while referring to the trophies and individual achievements that have defined Messi’s international career.

A bespoke sign-off features the number 10 surrounded by laurel branches and the Sun of May. The number has been central to Messi’s identity with Argentina, while the laurels traditionally represent victory and honour.

Together, these elements make the jersey feel less like an alternative kit and more like a wearable commemoration.

Messi’s logo took the place of the adidas mark

One of the collection’s most symbolic decisions was the removal of the standard adidas performance logo from the jersey.

Messi’s signature emblem occupies its place, giving the player an unusually prominent position within the kit’s visual hierarchy. The change recognises his long relationship with adidas while allowing his identity to become part of the official Argentina design.

The three stripes remain on the shoulders, but replacing the performance mark makes the jersey immediately different from a conventional national-team release.

It is a small design intervention with a clear message: this edition was created specifically for Messi.

The commemorative jersey remained a performance kit

Although its design focuses on symbolism, the jersey was also developed for top-level football.

It incorporates adidas CLIMACOOL+ technology, engineered stretch fabrics and 3D body mapping intended to improve ventilation and breathability. Mesh zones and perforated three-stripe panels provide additional airflow during high-intensity play.

The combination allows the shirt to function as both a tribute and the kit Argentina is expected to wear during Messi’s farewell international appearance on 6 October 2026.

The design extended into a wider Argentina collection

The jersey forms part of the Argentina Messi Special Edition Collection, which also includes pre-match clothing, shorts, socks and lifestyle pieces.

The pre-match range continues the flag and Sun of May graphics, while the culture-wear collection translates the same visual identity into clothing designed for everyday use.

This wider release gives supporters different ways to participate in the tribute, whether through the match shirt or apparel that carries its symbols beyond the pitch.

The collection became available on 25 September 2026 through adidas stores, selected retailers and the brand’s online shop.

By combining national imagery with personal details from Messi’s career, adidas created a jersey that represents both an individual player and the country whose football history he helped shape.

Credits

Argentina Messi Special Edition Collection, 2026. Brand adidas. Created in celebration of Lionel Messi’s career with the Argentina national team. The collection includes a special-edition match jersey, pre-match apparel, culture wear, shorts and socks. Released on 25 September 2026, with the jersey created for Messi’s farewell international appearance on 6 October 2026.