You’ve seen the pink Inter Miami kits. You’ve seen the iconic blue and burgundy stripes of Barcelona. But if you’re a real football romantic, there’s only one shirt that actually matters: the Newell's Old Boys Messi jersey. It’s the red and black split. The "La Lepra" colors.
Honestly, it’s more than just polyester. It’s a piece of history that links a seven-year-old kid in Rosario to the greatest player to ever touch a ball.
Most people don’t realize that Messi didn't just play for Newell’s; he was a machine there. Between 1994 and 1999, he reportedly scored nearly 500 goals for their youth teams. Think about that for a second. That's a goal every few minutes of his childhood. When you buy a Newell's Old Boys Messi jersey, you aren't just buying a replica of a current team; you’re buying into the "Machine of '87"—the legendary youth squad that destroyed everything in its path.
Why the 1993 Retro Is the Holy Grail
If you’re hunting for a jersey, you’ll quickly find two versions. There’s the modern 2024/2025 kit with "Messi 10" on the back, which looks sharp, sure. But the real one? The one that makes collectors' eyes pop? That’s the 1993 retro.
Why 1993?
Because that’s the year Diego Maradona played for Newell’s.
In November 2020, after Maradona passed away, Messi did something that stopped the world. He scored a banger for Barcelona against Osasuna, ripped off his Barça shirt, and revealed the 1993 Newell's Old Boys kit underneath. He looked up, blew a kiss to the sky, and just like that, the Newell's Old Boys Messi jersey became the most searched item in sports.
It wasn't a PR stunt. Messi actually owned that specific vintage shirt because he was in the stands as a six-year-old boy when Maradona made his debut for the club. The "red thread of destiny," as some fans call it, is literally stitched into those fibers.
Identifying the Real Deal vs. Cheap Knockoffs
Shopping for these is kinda a nightmare. Because Newell's isn't a European giant like Real Madrid, their distribution is... let's say "organic."
- The Modern Kit: Currently produced by local or smaller brands (they've moved between Adidas, Umbro, and Givova over the years). The 2024 versions often feature the red-and-black vertical split.
- The Maradona Tribute (Yamaha Sponsor): This is the one Messi wore. It has the "Yamaha" logo across the chest. Authentic vintage ones are basically non-existent now, but the club and brands like COPA have released official remakes.
- Fabric Quality: Genuine Argentine-made jerseys feel different. They’re often a bit heavier than the ultra-light "Aeroready" tech you see in Europe.
If you see a "Newell's Old Boys Messi jersey" for $20 on a random site, it's a fake. Period. Authentic retros usually run between $90 and $130 because they are imported directly from Argentina or licensed through specialty shops like Subside Sports or the official Newell’s store.
The "Return to Rosario" Rumor Mill
We have to talk about the 2026 elephant in the room. Every transfer window, the same story pops up: "Messi is going home."
While he’s currently dominating in Miami, the dream of seeing him wear the Newell's Old Boys Messi jersey in a competitive Argentine Primera División match is still alive. Fans in Rosario recently held a massive caravan just to show him the love is still there.
If he ever does sign a six-month "farewell" contract, expect the demand for these jerseys to break the internet. We saw it when he moved to PSG—jerseys sold out in seconds. For Newell’s, a club with a much smaller global supply chain, it would be absolute chaos.
How to Style and Care for Your Kit
Look, don't be that person who throws a $100 rare jersey in a hot dryer. These things have heat-pressed decals that will peel if you even look at them wrong.
- Cold Wash Only: Turn the jersey inside out. This protects the "Messi 10" and the club crest.
- Hang Dry: Never, ever use a dryer. The heat destroys the elasticity and the sponsors.
- Streetwear Vibes: The red and black split is actually one of the most stylish designs in football. It pairs better with black jeans or cargo pants than almost any other kit. It’s "if you know, you know" fashion.
What Most People Get Wrong
A common misconception is that Messi hates his time at Newell's because they "didn't pay for his treatment." That’s a massive oversimplification. While there were issues with his growth hormone treatment costs back in the late 90s, Messi has stayed a card-carrying member of the club. He’s a "Leproso" through and through.
Whenever he's back in Rosario for the holidays, he's often spotted in the facility. The connection is emotional, not financial.
Finding an Authentic Jersey Right Now
If you want one today, you've got three real options. First, check the official Newell's Old Boys web store, though shipping from Argentina to the US or Europe can be pricey and slow. Second, specialized kit sites like Classic Football Shirts or Subside Sports often stock the official "Messi 10" printed versions.
Lastly, look for the Adidas "Argentina 26" collection. While it’s a national team kit, Adidas often includes "Rosario" or "Newell's" inspired details in their Messi lifestyle lines because of his lifetime contract.
Basically, if you want to own the most meaningful piece of Messi memorabilia, stop looking at the Miami jerseys. The Newell's Old Boys Messi jersey represents the beginning and, potentially, the end of the greatest story in soccer.
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To get your hands on an authentic one without getting scammed, always verify the manufacturer tags. If it's a 1993 remake, it should be licensed by the club. For the 2024/2025 season kits, check for the official Argentine league holographic stickers on the tag. Don't settle for the blurry screen-printed versions from auction sites; the real embroidery on the Newell’s crest is worth the extra few bucks.