40 years later: Maradona's Hand of God World Cup performance

Football history is filled with unforgettable moments, but few have matched the drama, controversy and brilliance of Diego Armando Maradona's performance against England at the 1986 FIFA World Cup.

On June 22, 1986, inside Mexico City's iconic Azteca Stadium, the Argentine captain delivered a display that would define his legacy and become one of the sport's most enduring stories.

Four decades later, the "Hand of God" and the "Goal of the Century" remain two of the most discussed goals ever scored. The anniversary also arrives during another FIFA World Cup year, and, fittingly, on a day when Argentina continue another quest for global glory.

The goal that sparked worldwide controversy

The first goal arrived in the 51st minute under circumstances that remain controversial to this day. Maradona leapt alongside England goalkeeper Peter Shilton and punched the ball into the net with his left hand, escaping the attention of match officials.

After the match, Maradona famously described the goal as being scored "a little with the head of Maradona and a little with the hand of God." The phrase instantly became one of football's most iconic quotes.

Four minutes later came football immortality

If the first goal divided opinion, the second united almost everyone. Collecting possession inside his own half, Maradona embarked on an astonishing solo run, gliding past five England players before calmly rounding Shilton and finishing into the empty net.

The breathtaking individual effort was later voted FIFA's Goal of the Century, with many still considering it the greatest goal ever scored at a World Cup. It perfectly showcased the qualities that made Maradona one of football's greatest talents: balance, close control, acceleration and fearless creativity.

A victory that led Argentina to glory

Argentina defeated England 2-1 in the quarter-finals before continuing their remarkable run to lift the World Cup. Maradona inspired his country throughout the tournament, scoring five goals and providing five assists as Argentina claimed their second world title.

His performances in Mexico remain one of the greatest individual World Cup campaigns ever witnessed.

Forty years later, the legacy endures

Even after four decades, the debate surrounding those two goals has never faded. The Hand of God remains one of football's most controversial moments, while the Goal of the Century continues to be celebrated as the ultimate example of individual brilliance on the sport's biggest stage.

Together, they encapsulate everything Maradona represented—genius, audacity and an ability to produce moments no one else could imagine.

Argentina chasing history once again

The timing of this anniversary feels especially symbolic. Forty years after Maradona led Argentina to World Cup glory, La Albiceleste once again find themselves pursuing football's biggest prize.

With Lionel Messi leading a new generation, Argentina hope to write another unforgettable chapter while paying tribute to one of the nation's greatest sporting heroes.

As commentator Víctor Hugo Morales famously exclaimed during that unforgettable run:

"Cosmic kite... what planet did you come from?"

Forty years later, football is still searching for the answer.