2014 Argentina Home – Lionel Messi #10 XL

The 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil was a defining tournament for the Argentina national football team, as they reached their first World Cup final since 1990. Managed by Alejandro Sabella, Argentina combined defensive discipline with moments of attacking brilliance to mount a deep and memorable run.

Argentina topped Group F, winning all three matches against Bosnia and Herzegovina (2–1), Iran (1–0), and Nigeria (3–2). Their campaign was characterized by narrow margins and strong game management. In the knockout stages, Argentina defeated Switzerland (1–0 after extra time), Belgium (1–0) in the quarter-finals, and the Netherlands on penalties after a tense 0–0 semi-final.

The final against Germany in Rio de Janeiro was a tightly contested match. Argentina created key chances but ultimately fell 1–0 after extra time, with Mario Götze scoring the decisive goal. Despite the loss, Argentina’s run was widely praised for its organization, resilience, and defensive solidity.

The 2014 Argentina home kit, produced by adidas, featured the iconic sky-blue and white vertical stripes, complemented by black detailing and a modern athletic fit. Classic and instantly recognizable, the shirt is considered a standout vintage football shirt from a World Cup campaign that nearly restored Argentina to global supremacy.

Player’s Impact – Lionel Messi

The 2014 World Cup was one of the most important international tournaments in the career of Lionel Messi, as he carried Argentina to the final and silenced many doubts about his influence on the international stage.

Messi scored 4 goals in the group stage, including a dramatic last-minute winner against Iran and a brace against Nigeria. Operating as a free-roaming forward/attacking playmaker, he was given tactical freedom to drop deep, dictate tempo, and accelerate attacks through dribbling and incisive passing.

Throughout the knockout rounds, while not scoring, Messi remained the focal point of Argentina’s attack. His ability to draw defenders, create space, and initiate transitions was critical to the team’s progression. His leadership — both technical and emotional — became increasingly evident as the tournament advanced.

Messi was awarded the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player, recognizing his influence across Argentina’s run. Although the final ended in disappointment, the 2014 World Cup significantly strengthened his international legacy and marked a turning point in how his contributions to Argentina were perceived.

Full Squad List (Argentina – 2014 World Cup, Brazil)

Manager: Alejandro Sabella

Goalkeepers:
Sergio Romero, Mariano Andújar, Agustín Orión

Defenders:
Pablo Zabaleta, Martín Demichelis, Ezequiel Garay, Marcos Rojo, Federico Fernández, Hugo Campagnaro, José María Basanta

Midfielders:
Javier Mascherano (captain), Ángel Di María, Lucas Biglia, Fernando Gago, Enzo Pérez, Augusto Fernández, Ricky Álvarez, Maxi Rodríguez

Forwards:
Lionel Messi, Gonzalo Higuaín, Sergio Agüero, Ezequiel Lavezzi, Rodrigo Palacio