Legendary Argentina forward Diego Maradona delivered one of his most famous one-liners after scoring his infamous ‘Hand of God’ goal in the 1986 World Cup quarterfinal against England. Just hours before Argentina’s 2026 World Cup semifinal rematch with England, former teammate Jorge Valdano revealed the exchange that became pure Maradona.

What happened in 1986?

On 22 June 1986, at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, Maradona scored twice in Argentina’s 2–1 win over England in the World Cup quarterfinals. His first goal, the ‘Hand of God,’ came after he punched the ball past England goalkeeper Peter Shilton. The second, voted the ‘Goal of the Century,’ saw Maradona dribble past five England players before scoring.

Valdano, who played alongside Maradona in 1986, spoke to Spanish outlet AS ahead of Argentina’s 2026 semifinal. He recalled asking Maradona after the game whether he’d scored with his hand. Maradona’s reply? “I’ll tell you after the game.”

Why it matters for Diego Maradona

Maradona’s performance in that match turned him into a national hero. The 1986 World Cup wasn’t just a tournament for Argentina—it was a cultural reset. Valdano said the game reflected an entire country still raw from the 1982 Falklands War. Back then, the match wasn’t just football. It was a statement.

Maradona embodied two traits Valdano said define Argentines: cunning and extraordinary talent. The ‘Hand of God’ goal remains one of the most debated moments in football history. The ‘Goal of the Century’ is still studied as a masterclass in dribbling.

How the 1986 match shaped modern football

Valdano argued the 1986 game was free in a way today’s football isn’t. No VAR. No artificial coaching. Just players expressing themselves. He contrasted England manager Thomas Tuchel’s modern, hyper-tactical approach with Argentina’s 1986 coach Carlos Bilardo, who gave players more freedom.

“Players had more room to express themselves than they do now,” Valdano said. “That’s exactly what Diego was in that match: free.”

What comes next for Argentina

Argentina faces England in the 2026 World Cup semifinals on 15 July. The rematch carries echoes of 1986, but Valdano insists the context has changed. The Falklands War wound is 44 years old now. For today’s players, it’s history. For Maradona in 1986, it was everything.

Maradona’s legacy isn’t just in the goals. It’s in the defiance. The wit. The sheer audacity of a player who made football art out of chaos—and left the world talking decades later.