ECLIPSING MARADONA - After two decades Argentina learns to embrace Messi
The little maestro has hitherto lived in shadow of legend whose 1986 exploits coloured the soul and passion of their nation’s football Messi’s greatest triumph is that he has ceased to be viewed through the prism of Maradona ‘I’m sure Diego is enjoying this from up up above. Let him enjoy it, because it’s a gift for him too’ 18 Jul 2026 - THE GUARDIAN / Sport Sebastián Fest It is time to consign Diego Maradona’s Hand of God to a museum piece. For 40 years that moment and Maradona’s unforgettable “goal of the century” coloured the soul and passion of Argentinian football. Today things are very different, and the main reason is Lionel Messi. By asserting himself over the memory of Maradona, Messi is establishing a new Argentina. An impressive 2–1 semi-final victory over England showcased a revitalised Argentina who go into tomorrow’s final against Spain relying on a simple, powerful weapon: excellent football. “For English football, this is more painful than the Hand of God,” ...