Maradona dies: Social media users create confusion, pay tribute to Madonna instead

Diego Maradona’s death at the age of 60 on Wednesday saw an outpouring of grief from many social media users. Diego Maradona is considered as one of the greatest footballers in the history of the sport and his death caused shock and despair for many. However, amidst all this, there has been a certain section of the social media who have created confusion. In several tweets that have emerged, some users have paid tribute to Madonna, the Queen of Pop and not Diego Maradona. The situation was pretty tragicomic, with many users pointing out the glaring mistake made by the users.

Eventually a lot of the people realised the goof up that had happened about unfortunately decided to make jokes around it.

RIP Madonna, you'll be forever in our hearts. Legend. pic.twitter.com/EnMrIUZhRs

— little icah (@poemtoahoe) November 25, 2020

In his playing time, Diego Maradona held the world record for the highest transfer fees when he was picked by both FC Barcelona and Napoli which highlighted his star power. However, Diego Maradona is best remembered for his infamous ‘Hand of God’ goal against England in the 1986 World Cup match in Mexico.

You cant beat the Americans

MFs mixed Maradona with Madonna pic.twitter.com/yK9V7sbnge

— Koma (@AFC_Koma) November 25, 2020

What exactly was the ‘Hand of God’ goal? The Argentina vs England match in the 1986 World Cup at the Azteca stadium in Mexico City had a tense background. Both nations had come off the Falklands war a couple of years ago and the rivalry was at fever pitch. With the match between England and Argentina tied at 0-0 at the end of first half, Maradona lit up the stage in the second half. Six minutes into the second half of the match, Maradona passed the ball to his teammate Jorge Valdano as the latter tried to dribble past the English defenders. However, the ball was cleared towards the England goal by defender Steve Hodge.

RIP Madonna didn’t even know she played football, truly one of the greats x pic.twitter.com/g10v3JURcf

— stephen (@stephensh_arp) November 25, 2020

‘Hand of God’

Maradona pounced on the chance but struggled to get the ball against goalkeeper Peter Shilton. Both Maradona and Shilton jumped but the Argentine used his left arm to get the ball and rattle the net to give Argentina the much-needed lead. While English players complained to the referees, Maradona and his Argentine teammates celebrated in joy as the goal stood.

RIP Madonna, Queen of futbol. pic.twitter.com/dF5U6YekBX

— Locomotion Nightwing (@locomotioon) November 25, 2020

In Argentina, he was worshipped as 'El Dios' - The God - partly a play on words on his number 10 shirt, 'El Diez.' In his hometown of Rosario, there is a church named in honour of Diego Maradona called Iglesia Maradoniana which has been built by some of his hard-core fans.

RIP Madonna. Thanks for the tunes, brother. pic.twitter.com/po9WldMoOG

— Connor Pie-man (@iagos_monster) November 25, 2020

In his international career with Argentina, Maradona earned 91 caps and scored 34 goals. Maradona played in four FIFA World Cups, including the 1986 World Cup in Mexico where he captained Argentina and led them to victory over West Germany in the final, and won the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player. The Argentinian was the first player in football history to set the world record transfer fee twice, first when he transferred to Barcelona for a then world record GBP 5 million, and second, when he transferred to Napoli for another record fee GBP 6.9 million. He played for Argentinos Juniors, Boca Juniors, Barcelona, Napoli, Sevilla and Newell's Old Boys during his club career, and is most famous for his time at Napoli and Barcelona where he won numerous accolades.