The Two Number 10s: Argentina’s 2010 World Cup Home Jersey
In the history of international football, few kits carry the sheer weight of personality that the Argentina 2010 Home Jersey does. Going into the first-ever World Cup on African soil, the Albiceleste weren’t just a team; they were a traveling circus of legends. At the center of it all was a fascinating power struggle for the soul of the “Number 10” shirt.
The Return of D10S
By 2010, the idea of Diego Maradona as a manager seemed like a fever dream. Argentina had been in a qualifying crisis, stumbling toward a potential exit before “El Pibe de Oro” was called upon. He wasn’t hired for his tactical masterclass; he was hired for his divine connection to the sky above.
When Maradona stepped off the plane in South Africa—sporting his grey suit and iconic beard—he effectively outshone every player in the squad. For many fans, the 2010 jersey wasn’t just a kit for the active players; it was a tribute to the man on the bench. As you noted, some fans even went so far as to print “Maradona 10” on the back of the current shirt, preferring the legacy of the 1986 hero over the stars of the present.
Messi in the Shadow of the Sun
On the pitch, however, Lionel Messi was entering his absolute prime. He was fresh off a record-breaking season with Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona, conquering the world with a brand of football that seemed untouchable. Yet, wearing the 2010 jersey came with a peculiar burden.
In Barcelona, Messi was the “franchise.” In Argentina, he was playing for a coach who was essentially a living god. The 2010 jersey represents that transition period—a time when Messi was clearly the best player on earth, but still had to share the spotlight with the shadow of Maradona.
A Design Inspired by 1986
Adidas clearly understood the assignment when they designed this kit. They leaned heavily into the nostalgia of the 1986 triumph. The jersey featured a classic v-neck and clean, sky-blue stripes that mirrored the shirt Maradona wore when he lifted the trophy in Mexico.
Technically, this was also the era of the “TechFit” technology—the ultra-tight, body-hugging shirts that were designed to improve performance. But while the fabric was modern, the spirit was purely retro. It was a shirt designed to bridge the gap between the miracle of ’86 and the hope of 2010.
Whose Shirt is it?
So, when you look at the “10” on the 2010 Argentina jersey, who do you see? Do you see the young Messi, dribbling through heart-stopping defenses in Pretoria? Or do you see the historical dimension of Maradona, trying to capture lightning in a bottle one last time?
Whatever your pick, this jersey remains one of the most culturally significant in the nation’s history. It is the only shirt that truly belonged to two gods at the same time.