The 1978 FIFA World Cup held in Argentina was not just another tournament, it was the stage where the nation would etch its name in football history. Under the leadership of the prodigious Mario Kempes, Argentina clinched their maiden World Cup title, right on their home turf. Argentina jersey they donned during this monumental victory wasn’t just a piece of fabric; it became a symbol of national pride, adorned with the iconic stripes and a round neck with a subtle V-shaped pattern.
Where can I buy an Argentina jersey?
Authentic Argentina Jerseys
Adidas Store
For enthusiasts of the Argentina national team, the official Albiceleste jersey is available on the Adidas official website. Check out the official store to get your hands on the Argentina jerseys and proudly flaunt your allegiance to La Albiceleste: Find jerseys on the Adidas online store.
Dick’s Sporting Goods
Dick’s Sporting Goods not only offers the Argentina jersey but also provides fan essentials like scarves and hats.
Messi #10 Inter Miami CF 22/23 Home Jersey
Where to Buy Messi’s Autographed Argentina Jersey:
WorldSoccerShop
For dedicated fans ready to invest nearly $4000, this store offers the Lionel Messi Autographed Argentina 2022-23 Home 3 Stars Jersey.
FIFA Store
Available for a more “modest” price of $2,990. This jersey was signed by Messi himself during an exclusive session in Paris on April 10th, 2023. Every purchase of this signed Argentina jersey comes with an official FIFA World Cup Certificate of Authenticity, guaranteeing the genuineness of Messi’s signature.
Icons
For those looking for something special, icons.com has authentic Argentina jersey selection autographed by legends like Crespo, Veron, Mascherano, and Messi, starting at $424. Wearing these official jerseys lets fans immerse themselves in Argentina’s illustrious football heritage and honor the timeless legacy of their favorite national team.
Vintage Argentina jersey
Vintagefootballshirts.com
For aficionados of classic jerseys, vintagefootballshirts.com offers a collection spanning the last three decades.
Retrofootball
To relive the times of Kempes and Maradona, take a trip to Retrofootball.
Mario Kempes: The Unsung Hero of the Argentina Jersey
When discussing the legends who’ve donned the Argentina jersey, names like Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona are often the first to be mentioned. Recollections of Maradona’s iconic 1986 World Cup performance remain vivid, especially as we remember him two years post his passing.
Read about Messi’s Ballon d’Or 2023 chances:
However, before Maradona’s iconic moments in the Argentina jersey, Mario Kempes had already made a mark. In 1978, Kempes, wearing the Argentina jersey, led his nation to its inaugural World Cup victory, a feat made even more memorable as it occurred on Argentine soil.
The 1978 World Cup, hosted by Argentina, saw teams like Brazil and West Germany participate. Yet, it was the Netherlands that Argentina faced in the final. Kempes, in his Argentina jersey, played a pivotal role, scoring twice and ensuring Argentina’s triumph.
Only Overseas Player to Don the Argentina Jersey
Kempes’ brilliance wasn’t limited to just international tournaments. His club performances caught the attention of European giants. His versatility allowed him to shine both as a striker and an attacking midfielder, making him a prized asset in the Argentina jersey.
In the lead-up to the World Cup, despite playing in Europe, Kempes was an exception to Argentina’s selection policy, which typically favored domestic players. His form was undeniable, and he was the only overseas player to don the Argentina jersey for the tournament.
Kempes’ mustache superstition
One of the most peculiar superstitions surrounding Argentina’s 1978 World Cup win involves star striker Mario Kempes, who, despite his iconic moustache and long hair, struggled to score until coach Cesar Luis Menotti recommended he shave, reminiscent of Kempes’s prolific, clean-shaven days in Spain. Kempes complied, and his performance dramatically improved, leading Argentina to their first World Cup win.
“The moustache had to go… that was the start of a new chapter for me,”
Kempes reflected.
“After that, every time (Menotti) saw me he’d say ‘You’re due a shave today Mario, aren’t you?’.”
Tournament Format: No Knockout Phase
The 1978 FIFA World Cup, hosted by Argentina, had a unique tournament format that notably featured two group stages and did not include a traditional knockout phase. Here’s a breakdown of the format:
First Group Stage
The initial phase of the tournament saw 16 teams divided into four groups of four teams each. They played against each other in a round-robin format, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the next stage.
Second Group Stage
The advancing teams from the first phase were then re-grouped into two groups of four teams each. Again, they played in a round-robin format. The winners of these two groups would face off in the final, while the second-placed teams from each group would play for the third place.
It’s noteworthy that there was no traditional knockout phase in this World Cup, making it distinct from many other editions of the tournament.
Performance Highlights
Germany
As the defending champions, Germany had a significant presence in the tournament. They advanced from the first group stage but couldn’t make it to the final in the second group stage. Their journey ended in the second group phase, finishing third in their group.
Brazil
The Brazil jersey, always a symbol of fear in World Cup tournaments, has consistently delivered commendable performances.They advanced through the first group stage and made it to the second group stage. In the end, Brazil finished in third place overall after defeating Italy in the third-place playoff match.
In summary, the 1978 FIFA World Cup was characterized by its two group stages, with no knockout rounds. While Germany, the previous champions, couldn’t make it to the final, Brazil showcased their prowess by securing the third position.
The Final Against Netherlands
The 1978 World Cup final between Holland and Argentina in Buenos Aires ignited a fierce rivalry between the two nations. The backdrop of this match was intense, with Argentina’s political situation under General Jorge Rafael Videla’s ruling military junta casting a shadow. Holland had reservations about participating due to human rights abuses in Argentina. The match itself was filled with drama. Argentina, donning their iconic Argentina jersey, emerged victorious with a 3-1 win.
Mario Kempes, donning the Argentina jersey without a star for the last time, scored twice and played a pivotal role in the third goal. The Dutch believed the outcome might have been pre-determined, citing various incidents leading up to the final. The rivalry between these two nations continued in subsequent World Cups, with each match carrying the weight of their 1978 encounter.
Kempes in Valencia
Kempes began his professional journey with hometown club Instituto, playing side by side with Osvaldo Ardiles. He soon transitioned to Rosario Central, where he made a name for himself as an exceptional striker, netting 85 goals in just 105 games. This impressive record caught Valencia’s attention, leading them to acquire him.
During his years at Mestalla, the renowned Argentine World Cup champion, Mario Alberto Kempes, scored two pivotal goals for Valencia C.F. against Real Madrid
in the 1978-79 Copa del Rey final, which took place at Madrid’s Vicente Calderón Stadium. These crucial goals led to Valencia’s victory in the esteemed Spanish cup, a title they hadn’t secured in nearly three decades. This win not only cemented Valencia’s position in the 1979-80 UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup – a competition they would eventually win – but also earned them the UEFA Super Cup. Furthermore, Kempes bagged the Pichichi trophy in back-to-back seasons, recording 24 goals in 1976–77 and 28 in 1977–78.
Revisit the 1980 UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup final, where Valencia emerged victorious in a penalty shootout, even though Kempes missed his shot:
Kempes: Fail After the World Cup Glory
Fast forward a few years, and Kempes, who had once gloriously represented the Argentina jersey, found himself trialing for Tottenham Hotspur in 1984. Despite his World Cup success, his trial at Tottenham didn’t yield the desired results.
Today, at 68, Kempes is an analyst and commentator for ESPN Deportes. His contributions while wearing the Argentina jersey have cemented his place in the nation’s football history, especially for his role in securing Argentina’s first World Cup.
Dive into the full story of the Argentina jersey evolution
And more about Messi Argentina jersey:
The story of Brazil jersey’s first star also hides exciting details: