The iconic kit that made history for Argentina against England in the summer of 1986

Some historic matches are often remembered for on-field moments captured in videos or photos, which amplify the power of certain iconic instants. And if we talk about the clash between England and Argentina in the 1986 World Cup quarter-finals in Mexico, we inevitably think of the two goals by Diego Armando Maradona.

The first was scored with his hand, and the second, after a memorable slalom, was later voted the greatest goal in World Cup history. 

Yet from that mythic encounter comes a less-famous but equally meaningful memory. And it has to do with the jersey worn on that scorching midday in Mexico City. A dark blue shirt, the one the Argentine number 10 would kiss at the end of the match after a legendary performance.

But, as was noticed right away, it had a much more pronounced white V-neck than the one used in the round of 16 against Uruguay. And not only that: it featured two vertical stripes in different shades. 

The reason? The kit for the most symbolic match of the World Cup had been created the day before and was not official. The reason for this improvisation was the intense and constant humidity, which, during the match against, had caused the Argentinians to sweat excessively. Again, Carlos Salvador Bilardo’s team had to wear blue, which created a significant problem.

Against the heat

This was because, at the explicit request of the Argentine coach, Argentina’s first-choice shirt had been made with a special fabric. Aware of the high temperatures in Mexico, the Argentine coach asked technical sponsor Le Coq Sportif to produce a kit with small holes to allow better breathability, aiming to reduce not only fatigue but also the effect of humidity weighing down the players, who also had to deal with the altitude and a certain lack of oxygen.

After the 1-0 win over Uruguay, and knowing they would have to play in their second kit, Bilardo asked the Argentine representative of Le Coq Sportif to provide his players with 38 alternative shirts featuring the technology then called Air-tech.

The sports brand, however, turned down the request, as the 72 hours left before the match against the English were not enough time.

Silver numbers

The only solution was to look for alternatives locally, and they had to be dark blue with the French brand’s rooster logo. The Argentine national team delegates went to the Tepito neighbourhood in Mexico City and returned to the America training camp, where the Spanish team were staying, with two types of shirts.

Neither had Air-tech technology, and Bilardo seemed rather sceptical. Then, Maradona himself passed by and, at the coach’s request, touched both shirts and chose one, saying: "This shirt is beautiful. With this, we’ll beat England."

At that point, no one had any more doubts.

The hotel staff present at the camp had to sew on the Argentine national team badge, which was roughly copied on the spot. The result was a shirt that omitted the laurel above the AFA lettering. A minor change that didn’t matter to anyone. But it wasn’t the most significant.

Because the numbers on the players’ backs were also added at the last minute. And they weren’t white as usual, but silver, since they too were bought and ironed on at the last moment. And they were American football numbers.

The rest is legend. Embodied in a shirt now kept as a relic by a private collector who paid nine million dollars for it. But even though it’s not on public display, it still radiates a unique aura. The aura of a French-branded garment, but one created in a completely improvised and makeshift way just steps from the Azteca stadium.