The Argentina No 10 shirt, now worn with distinction by Lionel Messi, the world's finest player, was sent into a period of retirement when an even greater striker hung up his golden boots. Diego Maradona was the outstanding driving force behind his country's second World Cup triumph in Mexico in 1986, playing in every minute of every match and scoring what was regarded as the most outstanding international goal of the century to follow one of the most controversial in history.
Both were scored in the quarter-final victory over England, the first with an outrageous use of an outstretched arm; the second a fantastic solo effort past several would-be tacklers. His performance in that tournament staked a claim for him to be regarded ahead of Pele, the Brazilian legend, as the greatest player of the 20th century. That is still a burning topic of debate in South America. Maradona went on to lead a far less accomplished Argentina squad to another final in Italy four years later - they lost to Germany - and is now his country's coach.
Goalkeeper: Banks Right-back: Cafu Left-back: Maldini Sweeper: Beckenbauer Centre-back: Moore Right midfielder: Cruyff Playmaker: Platini Centre midfielder: Zidane Left midfielder: Puskas Striker: Maradona Tomorrow: Striker @Email:wjohnson@thenational.ae