The Iconic Argentine Crest Worn by Messi Was Designed by a Jewish Superfan 

Soccer fans around the world are familiar with the iconic crest worn by Lionel Messi and Argentina’s national soccer team. The badge, a vertical shield with laurel branches symbolizing victory and glory at the bottom, remains a global symbol of the sport even after 50 years of use. Few fans know the iconic crest was designed in 1976 by Norberto “Toto” Rud, a Jewish graphic designer and passionate soccer fan from Buenos Aires’ Jewish sports club, Club Náutico Hacoaj. Inspired by the need for a distinctive national team identity, Toto submitted 20 different design proposals to the Argentine Football Association, from which the now-iconic emblem was selected. While wearing this design, Argentina has celebrated three World Cup titles, most recently in 2022. Virtually unchanged even 50 years later, Rud's work continues to represent Argentina on soccer's biggest stage.

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