Argentina has introduced yet another twist to their semi-final clash with England in the FIFA World Cup by reportedly asking to change their kit to dark blue for the match in Atlanta.
It’s the canary yellow and black, white and yellow, and black and white that make the reigning champions so well-known, but the Argentine Football Association has now come to FIFA for permission to change the colors for Wednesday’s big game. Gastón Edul, a journalist, is said to have leaked the request, while the final will be decided before the two sides play out their World Cup final match.
It might sound like a no-brainer in terms of clothing. Indeed, nothing is normal when Argentina and England face off on football’s grandest stage. It’s been decades of unforgettable drama, from questionable moments and penalty shootouts to famous goals that have become a part of World Cup lore.
Argentina is the only team to have worn their blue change strip during the tournament, in a 3-1 group stage win over Jordan. It is not clear why England has been chosen as the home side of the semi-final, but it may be a practical consideration. But will it be a case of history and superstition at work as well for the defending champions?
It is the latest development following thrilling quarter-finals in which both sides survived. It was a close 3-1 victory for Argentina, with Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez finding the net in the last moments and in overtime. But England didn’t find their rhythm until after 90 minutes to beat Norway 2-1 and reach the last four.
It’s a very special time for Messi. The Argentina forward will play England for the first time in his World Cup career. The pressure is on as Argentina looks to become world champions for two consecutive time and England looks to become world champions for the first time since 1966.
FIFA is yet to call on Argentina to come back in blue or to sign off on the blue kit, but the color has already added to the buzz around the build-up. The one thing that’s clear is that history, pride, and a final will all be at stake when Messi’s Argentina takes on England in Atlanta.
