ARGENTINA boss Lionel Scaloni says the 40th anniversary of Diego Maradona’s famous goal against England could move him to tears.
Scaloni’s side will take on Austria four decades to the day since Maradona scored first with the “Hand of God” and then after one of the greatest runs in football history.
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It is 40 years since Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” and wondergoal against England Credit: Bob Thomas Sports Photography – Getty
Current Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni remembers watching Maradona’s goals Credit: FIFA via Getty Images
Argentina beat Bobby Robson’s England 2-1 in the 1986 World Cup quarter final and went on to win the tournament for the second time.
Scaloni said: “I think it was at my grandmother’s house, because we all lived at my grandmother’s house.
“We were, I don’t know how many, living there. We had a house.
“It was a very small TV. I’m almost sure I was there.
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“It’s s exciting. I didn’t know that tomorrow was the anniversary of this incredible goal.
“So, let’s enjoy it. Maybe we’ll see it everywhere tomorrow.
“Maybe we’ll cry a little bit too.”
Scaloni and his team achieved immortality of their own by winning the 2022 tournament in Qatar, with captain Lionel Messi lifting the trophy after victory over France in the greatest final ever.
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It was the end of Messi and Argentina’s long quest to match the success of the Maradona era.
Back in 2016, Messi briefly retired from international football after the devastating blow of losing on penalties to Chile in the Copa America final.
At the time, teenager Enzo Fernandez wrote a message to Messi urging him not to reconsider
And six years later Fernandez played alongside him in the triumph in Qatar.
Enzo Fernandez once wrote to his idol Lionel Messi begging him not to quit Credit: Getty Images
The Chelsea midfielder said: “What would I write to him now?
“I would write much more emotionally, because I believe I shared so many moments with him and learned so much by his side.
“He’s a great person and a great player who no longer needs any description.
“So today, I don’t think even books would be enough for me to write about everything I learned from him and all the moments we shared together.”
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