Story · Brand
Soccer Retros
Two classic kits, two friends, and one afternoon at Chicano Park bringing the '97 Argentina and the '94 USA back to life.
The brief
I reached out to Soccer Retros with a simple trade: two kits for content. They kindly sent through two classics, the '97 Argentina home and the '94 USA away. Two beauties.
The approach
Connor, Rob, and I took them to Chicano Park and travelled back in time. Hard afternoon sun, big shadows, bright walls, and a ball that never stayed still. Shot on 35mm film and digital.
Why these two
Different continents, same passion
One was a country discovering it could play, reaching a World Cup knockout round on home soil in front of the biggest crowds the sport had ever drawn here. The other was the best team in South America, grinding out a qualifying campaign nobody could touch.
The '97 Argentina home
Argentina wore this while flat out dominating South America: sixteen qualifiers for France 98, eight wins, six draws, two defeats, and first place in the table.
This was Passarella's side of Batistuta, Simeone, Zanetti, Ortega, and Verón, the same core that went all the way to the Olympic final in Atlanta. Nigeria snatched gold late, and Argentina still made this kit proud.
The '94 USA away
This is the shirt the USA came of age in. A draw with Switzerland, a win over a strong Colombia side, and a place in the knockout rounds as one of the best third-placed teams.
They lost to Brazil on the Fourth of July by a single goal, to the side that lifted the trophy three weeks later. Lalas, Cobi Jones, and that team lit up football across the country.
On film
Light, shadow, and a lot of grain
Together
Two kits, one afternoon
“Personally, I think it's one of the most beautiful kits ever made.”
Me, about the '97 Argentina home
The result
A full set for Soccer Retros on film and digital, built to sell the feeling as much as the fabric. That first trade turned into an ongoing partnership.
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