Diego Maradona predicted he would score an unforgettable goal before Argentina’s famous 1986 FIFA World Cup quarter-final against England, according to his former masseur, Salvatore Carmando.
Speaking in an interview published by FIFA, Carmando recalled that Maradona told him before the match that he felt destined to produce something extraordinary.
After scoring his iconic solo goal in Argentina’s 2-1 victory, Maradona reportedly embraced Carmando and reminded him of the prediction he had made before kick-off.
The second goal, widely regarded as the “Goal of the Century,” came just minutes after Maradona’s controversial “Hand of God” strike and remains one of the greatest goals ever scored at a FIFA World Cup.
Carmando said Maradona had a remarkable habit of fulfilling bold predictions, recalling another occasion when the Argentine star promised to score a spectacular goal for Napoli against Juventus.
The former masseur also revealed that Maradona personally insisted he travel with Argentina’s squad to the 1986 World Cup, believing he played an important role in his preparation throughout the tournament.
As Argentina prepare to face England once again on the World Cup stage, Carmando said memories of the 1986 encounter remain as vivid as ever.
He described Maradona as an extraordinary footballer and an even better person, saying his greatest keepsake from that tournament is a replica of the FIFA World Cup trophy, which he says symbolises the late Argentine legend.
