Why are Argentina Players Wearing Black Armbands Today in World Cup Match?

Argentina are playing against Switzerland in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinal as Lionel Messi and his team aim to progress to the last four of the competition.

With a date against England looming if they win, the Argentines have taken an early lead against the Swiss. Alexis Mac Allister scored early from a Lionel Messi cross, as they currently have their noses ahead.

Argentina players are also wearing black armbands today. Both sets of players paid respect to South Africa's Jayden Adams, who passed away two weeks after playing in this World Cup, but Lionel Messi and co. are wearing the armbands for a different reason.

Why are Argentina Players Wearing Black Armbands Today?

Argentina players are wearing Black Armbands to pay their homage to Antonio Rattin, who died at the age of 89 on Saturday. An Argentine legend of the yesteryears, the current players have immense respect and that's the reason behind them wearing the symbolic fabric for grief.

Who was Antonip Rattin?

Antonio Rattín was an iconic Argentine midfielder best remembered for his leadership, toughness and commanding presence. He captained Argentina during the controversial 1966 FIFA World Cup quarter-final against England, where his dismissal by referee Rudolf Kreitlein became one of football's most debated incidents. He didn't understand the referee and uprooted the Corner Flag, leading to his marching orders.

Spending most of his club career with Boca Juniors, Rattín won multiple domestic titles and later became a coach and politician, remaining a respected figure in Argentine football history.

Known as "El Rata," Rattín was a legendary defensive midfielder and eternal captain of Boca Juniors, where he spent his entire 14-year career (1956-1970). He played 382 matches, scored 28 goals, and won multiple titles, including league championships in 1962, 1964, 1965, and 1969, plus the 1969 Copa Argentina. A one-club man and fierce leader, he became one of Boca's greatest idols.