No, Diego Maradona did not score a goal in the 1986 FIFA World Cup final. While he was the undisputed leader and captain of the victorious Argentine national team, his significant contribution in the final match against West Germany was through his playmaking and a decisive assist.
Maradona's Defining Role in the 1986 World Cup Final
The 1986 FIFA World Cup final, played on June 29, 1986, at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, culminated in a thrilling 3–2 victory for Argentina over West Germany. Despite being heavily marked by West German midfielder Lothar Matthäus throughout the game, Maradona's brilliance shone through in a critical moment.
- Key Assist: In the 84th minute, with the score tied at 2–2, Maradona delivered a precise through ball that bypassed the West German defense. This pass allowed Jorge Burruchaga to race clear and slide the ball past the advancing goalkeeper, scoring Argentina's third goal and securing their 3–2 lead.
- Overall Tournament Impact: Although he did not score in the final, Maradona's overall performance in the 1986 World Cup was legendary. He scored five goals and provided five assists throughout the tournament, single-handedly dominating many matches and earning the Golden Ball award as the best player. His iconic goals against England in the quarter-finals, including the "Hand of God" and the "Goal of the Century," are enduring moments in football history.
Argentina's victory in 1986 marked their second World Cup title, with Maradona at the heart of their success.
For more details on the match, you can refer to the 1986 FIFA World Cup Final.
