2006 Argentina Home World Cup Formotion Football Shirt Messi #19 (XL)

Condition: 9/10 Superb

Size: Adult Extra Large (loose fitting)

Chest Measurement: 46-48 Inches / 117-122 CM

Manufacturer: Adidas

Colour: Light blue & white stripes, gold trim

Material: Polyester

Seasons: 2006

Player: Lionel Messi

Patches: 2006 FIFA World Cup

Official Adidas Argentina home football shirt from the 2006 international tournament. Complete with Messi #19 on the front & back of the shirt in original lettering and 2006 FIFA World Cup patch on the sleeve.

This is Adidas' superior 'player issue' version of the jersey, as worn by the players. It features heat bonded panels on the sleeves and Formotion motif near the lower front hem

The condition of this vintage football jersey is 9/10 - Superb (see photos).

During the World Cup in Germany, Messi witnessed their opening match victory against Ivory Coast from the substitutes' bench. In the next match against Serbia and Montenegro, he became the youngest player to represent Argentina at a World Cup when he came on as a substitute in the 74th minute. He assisted their fourth strike within minutes and scored the final goal in their 6–0 victory, making him the youngest scorer in the tournament and the sixth-youngest goalscorer in the history of the World Cup.

As their progression to the knockout phase was secured, several starters were rested during the last group match. Messi consequently started the game against the Netherlands, a 0–0 draw, as they won their group on goal differential. In the round of 16 match against Mexico, played on his nineteenth birthday, Messi came on in the 84th minute, with the score tied at 1–1. He appeared to score a goal, but it was contentiously ruled offside, with the team needing a late goal in extra time to proceed. 

He did not play in the quarter-final against Germany, during which Argentina were eliminated 4–2 in a penalty shootout. Back home, Pékerman's decision to leave him on the bench against Germany led to widespread criticism from those who believed Messi could have changed the outcome of the match in Argentina's favour.