The Day Maradona Became a Legend: “Hand of God” and the “Goal of the Century"

There are football matches and then there are moments that transcend the sport. June 22nd, 1986, at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, was one of those moments. Argentina vs. England in the World Cup quarterfinals gave us not just a winner, but a legend Diego Maradona who, in the span of four minutes, scored both one of the most controversial and one of the most beautiful goals in football history.

Let’s rewind to that historic day.

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A Match Filled with Meaning

This wasn’t just any football game. Only four years earlier, Argentina and England had been at war over the Falkland Islands. While the players weren’t politicians, emotions on both sides were running high. This quarterfinal clash was more than sport it was symbolic.

Argentina’s No. 10, Diego Maradona, was already the star of the tournament. But on this day, he became something more.

The “Hand of God”

The moment that sparked controversy around the world came in the 51st minute. A loose ball popped high into the air after a failed clearance by England’s Steve Hodge. Maradona, smaller than England’s towering goalkeeper Peter Shilton, leapt... and somehow punched the ball into the net.

To the shock of everyone watching, the referee allowed the goal. No VAR back then. No second chances. When asked about it later, Maradona cheekily said it was scored “a little with the head of Maradona and a little with the Hand of God.” That phrase stuck and became infamous.

For English fans, it was a robbery. For Argentine supporters, it was clever, cunning, and maybe even justice after the war.

The “Goal of the Century”

If the first goal was trickery, the second was pure genius. Just four minutes later, Maradona picked up the ball in his own half, turned, and ran. He danced past one, then two, then three, four, five English defenders. He dodged tackles, kept his balance, and finally slid the ball past Shilton again.

It was a masterpiece a solo goal that combined vision, speed, control, and nerve. Argentina’s lead was now 2-0, and football had just witnessed one of the greatest goals of all time.

Years later, FIFA would call it the "Goal of the Century," and it’s easy to see why.

Glory and Debate

England did pull one goal back through Gary Lineker, but it wasn’t enough. Argentina won 2-1 and went on to win the 1986 World Cup, beating West Germany in the final.

But this match? It remains the defining moment of that tournament. And of Maradona’s career. To some, he was a cheat. To others, a genius. But no one could ignore what he did on that day.

Why It Still Matters

June 22, 1986, is a reminder that football is not just about rules and results. It’s about emotion, drama, and moments that make us feel something even decades later.

Maradona’s goals one with his hand, the other with his heart and soul remind us that legends aren’t perfect. They’re complex. They break rules. They create magic.

And sometimes, they change the game forever.

Still thinking about that second goal? You're not alone. It’s the kind of magic that keeps us coming back to this beautiful game.

Let me know your thoughts Team Maradona or Team Justice? Drop your take in the comments below!