Maradona's 1986 England Match Ball Sells for $3.35 Million

The ball that Argentine legend Diego Armando Maradona used to score his historic goals against England during the 1986 World Cup has become one of the most sought-after sports collectibles, after being sold at auction for $3.35 million.

According to media reports, the Adidas Azteca ball used in the match between Argentina and England, which took place 40 years ago in the quarter-finals of the Mexico World Cup, was sold at an auction organized by the American house Heritage for around £2.5 million.

Despite the hefty sum paid for the ball, it fell short of the auction house's initial estimates, which had predicted its value could reach around $10 million.

The extraordinary value of the ball is tied to the match that entered World Cup history, as Diego Maradona led Argentina to a 2-1 victory over England, scoring two goals that became some of the most famous moments in football history.

The first goal came amidst significant controversy, as Maradona touched the ball with his hand before putting it in the net, a moment that later became famously known as the 'Hand of God.'

When asked about the way he scored the goal, Maradona's famous response was that it was "a little with the head of Maradona and a little with the hand of God."

The second goal was completely different, as the Argentine star picked up the ball from nearly the halfway line, dribbled past several English players, and slotted it into the net. This goal later received the title of 'Goal of the Century' from FIFA.

Historical artifacts from the 1986 World Cup are being showcased, highlighting the unforgettable moments of the tournament.

Tunisian referee Ali Ben Nasser held onto the ball for more than 30 years before selling it in 2022 for $2.37 million.

The historical significance of the Argentina vs. England match goes beyond football, as in 2022, the shirt worn by Maradona during that very game was sold for $9.28 million at an auction organized by Sotheby's in London.

Maradona's memorabilia associated with the 1986 World Cup continues to attract significant interest at global auctions, making the Argentina vs. England match one of the most attended in World Cup history, thanks to the extraordinary moments created by one of the game's greatest legends.