Back in 1986, Diego Armando Maradona was already considered one of the greatest soccer players of all time. However, it wasnât until 6/22/1986 that he became the biggest legend in Argentinaâs sports history, and one of the toughest rivals England could ever face.
Maradona and Argentina faced the British in the quarterfinals of the FIFA World Cup 1986 in Mexico. The Abliceleste werenât favored but El Pelusa took it upon himself to avenge his nationâs suffering after losing the Falklands war against England in 1982.
Number 10 had the greatest game of his impressive career by scoring a brace to lead Argentina past England and onto the semifinals, including the infamous âHand of Godâ goal and the greatest goal in World Cup history as well.
Englandâs National Team Pay Respect To The Late Diego Armando Maradona
Thatâs why it was such a nice gesture from England to just bury the hatchet and bid farewell to the very guy that killed their World Cup aspirations 34 years ago, deeming him âa legend of the gameâ, and for very good reasons.
Maradonaâs rise to stardom skyrocketed even more after his iconic performance vs. England. Ever since that day, he was known as a God among men, and one of the most beloved, iconic, and respected people in Argentina and among soccer fans, even if he may not be the biggest fan favorite for the British.
Up to this day, some people still debate whether Maradona is the greatest player of all-time ahead of Lionel Messi, Alfredo Di StĂ©fano, Cristiano Ronaldo, PelĂ©, among others. And while thatâs not for us to decide, it goes without saying that heâs â by far â one of the savviest, most skilled, and greatest entertainers to ever do it. For better or worse, there will never be another Diego Maradona.
