One of the world's greatest ever players, Diego Maradona led Argentina to victory in the 1986 World Cup final against West Germany in Mexico.
One of the world's greatest ever players, Diego Maradona led Argentina to victory in the 1986 World Cup final against West Germany in Mexico.
Bongarts/Getty Images/file
Maradona's quick thinking -- and quick hand -- handed Argentina a World Cup quarterfinal victory against England in Mexico City during the 1986 tournament.
Maradona's quick thinking -- and quick hand -- handed Argentina a World Cup quarterfinal victory against England in Mexico City during the 1986 tournament.
BONGARTS/Getty Images
Maradona followed that act of subterfuge with one of the greatest ever World Cup goals as England lost 2-1. The Argentine ran half the length of pitch, outwitting a number of England defenders before slotting the ball past goalkeeper Peter Shilton.
Maradona followed that act of subterfuge with one of the greatest ever World Cup goals as England lost 2-1. The Argentine ran half the length of pitch, outwitting a number of England defenders before slotting the ball past goalkeeper Peter Shilton.
STAFF/AFP/Getty Images/file
Mexican referee Ernesto Codesal Mendez gives a yellow card to Maradona in the 1990 World Cup final between Argentina and West Germany, who won the game 1-0.
Mexican referee Ernesto Codesal Mendez gives a yellow card to Maradona in the 1990 World Cup final between Argentina and West Germany, who won the game 1-0.
STAFF/AFP/Getty Images
A pumped-up Maradona during the 1994 World Cup hosted by the U.S. He was later thrown out of the tournament after testing postive for the banned stimulant ephedrine, signaling the end of his international career.
A pumped-up Maradona during the 1994 World Cup hosted by the U.S. He was later thrown out of the tournament after testing postive for the banned stimulant ephedrine, signaling the end of his international career.
DANIEL GARCIA/AFP/Getty Images/file
Despite his controversial career, Maradona remains hugely popular among Argentina's fans, who showed their colors ahead of the 2014 World Cup Group F match against Nigeria in Porto Alegre, Brazil.
Despite his controversial career, Maradona remains hugely popular among Argentina's fans, who showed their colors ahead of the 2014 World Cup Group F match against Nigeria in Porto Alegre, Brazil.
Ian Walton/Getty Images
Maradona is also venerated in Naples after leading Napoli to the Italian Serie A title in 1987 and 1990.
Maradona is also venerated in Naples after leading Napoli to the Italian Serie A title in 1987 and 1990.
Getty Images
Maradona coached Argentina in the 2010 World Cup finals, but the South Americans were dumped out in the quarterfinals after a 4-0 defeat by Germany.
Maradona coached Argentina in the 2010 World Cup finals, but the South Americans were dumped out in the quarterfinals after a 4-0 defeat by Germany.
Mike Hewitt/Gettty Images/file
July 2012: Diego Maradona was sacked as manager of United Arab Emirates side Al Wasl after 14 months in charge.
July 2012: Diego Maradona was sacked as manager of United Arab Emirates side Al Wasl after 14 months in charge.
KARIM JAAFAR/AFP/GettyImages/file
But just who is the best ever Argentine player -- Lionel Messi or Maradona? Fellow Argentine Pope Francis remains neutral ...
But just who is the best ever Argentine player -- Lionel Messi or Maradona? Fellow Argentine Pope Francis remains neutral ...
Clive Rose/Getty Images
Maradona has only praise for the phenomenal amount of goals Messi has scored -- already this season the Barcelona star has netted 53 times.
Maradona has only praise for the phenomenal amount of goals Messi has scored -- already this season the Barcelona star has netted 53 times.
Pedro Ugarte/AFP/Getty Images
Maradona was interviewed by CNN anchor Becky Anderson.
Maradona was interviewed by CNN anchor Becky Anderson.