The main shopping avenues in Buenos Aires are overflowing with hats, flags, mate gourds, and shirts in patriotic light-blue and white hues.
Argentina’s triumph in the World Cup in 2022 “ignites passion even in those who aren’t soccer fans,” remarked Fabián Castillo, president of the Buenos Aires commerce chamber.
However, he believes over 70% of the Argentine national team jerseys sold on the streets are fakes. Globally, many consumers admit to purchasing these lower-priced replicas as official jersey prices are often steep.
This trend is especially pronounced in Argentina, where locals’ purchasing power has declined amid stagnant salaries and rising inflation. The counterfeit market compounds the difficulties faced by the local textile sector, which has seen factory closures due to a rise in inexpensive imports since Milei’s policies took effect.
Lucas Aranda, a textile vendor from the province of Buenos Aires, offers national team jerseys for 40,000 pesos ($28) each, approximately a quarter of the price of genuine ones.
Counterfeit products have also infiltrated the popular soccer sticker market, which children—and many adults—collect to fill their World Cup albums. While authentic stickers can be found at convenience stores, cheaper “alternatives” are readily available online.
The World Cup is set to commence next month, hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Argentina’s opening match is against Algeria on June 16.
