Maradona’s World Cup Debut and ‘Hand of God’ Matches Marked in Anniversary Tributes

On June 23, 2024, the 44th anniversary of Argentina’s 2‑0 victory over El Salvador was commemorated at the José Rico Pérez stadium in Alicante. The match featured a 21‑year‑old Diego Maradona in his first World Cup appearance. Argentina, the defending champions, needed the win to advance; goals by Daniel Passarella (penalty) and Daniel Bertoni secured qualification. The game also marked El Salvador’s final World Cup participation, with star Jorge “El Mágico” González on the field.

A day later, June 22, 2024, the 40th anniversary of the 1986 quarter‑final in Mexico City was observed, recalling Maradona’s “Hand of God” goal and the subsequent “Goal of the Century” that gave Argentina a 2‑1 win over England. Argentine commentator Víctor Hugo Morales later said, “Argentina le ha ganado a Inglaterra. Y lo voy a decir una sola vez y que Dios me perdone,” while Maradona himself remembered the kit change with the line, “Que linda camiseta, Carlos.”