Maradona: The Hand of God and the Goal of the Century

In the summer of 1986, in Mexico, a man with the number 10 on his back and a magical touch on his feet was destined to write his name in soccer history. That man was Diego Maradona, an Argentine genius whose World Cup performance would become an immortal legend.

On June 22, 1986, Argentina faced England in the quarterfinals. The Azteca stadium in Mexico City was charged with anticipation and tension, but it was on that field where Maradona left his indelible mark with two of the most iconic moments in soccer history: the "Hand of God" and the "Goal of the Century." ".

The clock showed the 51st minute when Maradona, skillfully dribbling between the English defenders, rose in the area. In a bold act that baffled everyone, including the referee, Maradona connected the ball with his left hand and sent it into the back of the net. He celebrated euphorically as the stadium fell silent, perplexed by what they had just witnessed. Maradona dubbed his cunning ruse the “Hand of God,” a gesture that encapsulated his genius and his cunning.

However, Maradona's greatness was not limited to controversial tricks. Just four minutes after the "Hand of God", Diego would demonstrate why he was considered one of the best soccer players of all time. He received the ball in his own half and began an astonishing run, outrunning five English players with an unrivaled combination of speed, agility and skill. The crowd rose in a crescendo of amazement as Maradona advanced towards the goal.

He eluded goalkeeper Peter Shilton with sublime ease and, with surgical precision, placed the ball into the net. The stadium erupted in applause and cheers. The "Goal of the Century" was born, a masterpiece that encapsulated Maradona's magic and mastery in a single play. In just four minutes, Diego Maradona had gone from being the author of a controversial trick to creating one of the most astonishing and celebrated goals in the history of football.

Argentina won the match 2-1 and advanced to final glory by beating Germany in the final. Maradona, with an exceptional performance throughout the tournament, led his country to lift the World Cup. That summer in Mexico became the pinnacle of Maradona's career and an eternal testament to his legacy in world football.

Beyond controversies and sporting successes, the story of Maradona's "Hand of God" and "Goal of the Century" transcends the lines of sport. These moments encapsulate the duality of his genius: cunning and magic, controversy and greatness. Maradona not only defied the laws of the game on that day; he challenged the conventional perception of what was possible in football.

Maradona's legacy lives in every corner of the football world. His impact goes beyond records and trophies; It manifests itself in the inspiration he has provided to generations of players and in the passion he has ignited in the hearts of fans. The "Hand of God" and the "Goal of the Century" are not simply events in a soccer tournament; They are immortal chapters in the epic of a man who took the beautiful game to new heights, where genius and controversy intertwine in an eternal dance.