The ball that Diego Maradona scored the famous “hand of God” goal 36 years ago at the World Cup in Mexico is up for auction and is expected to fetch at least $2.8 million, Reuters reported.

The object is put up for auction by the match referee Tunisian Ali Bin Nasser.

“The ball is part of the history of international football. I feel like it’s time to share this with everyone. I hope whoever buys it can somehow release it to the public.” said bin Nasser.

The auction, organized by Graham Budd, will take place on November 16. Those interested can register their offers online from October 28.

Also this year, Maradona’s shirt in that match was sold for 7.14 million pounds.

Diego Maradona and the “Hand of God”

At the World Cup in Mexico on June 22, 1986, Argentina played England in the quarter-finals.

In the 51st minute, when Steve Hodge mistakenly deflected the ball, which was on the edge of a large English penalty area, the ball described the support in the direction of his own goal. The goalkeeper Peter Shilton and Maradona rushed to meet, both in leaps, eight meters from the goal. The Argentinian pushed the ball with his left hand for Shilton, who lunged forward with his right hand to clear it, to miss the interception. The ball entered the goal, and the referee, who did not see the handball, scored a goal, despite the passionate protests of the English players, writes News.ro.

When asked by a journalist if he scored with his hand, Maradona replied: “It was the hand of God.”

Four minutes after the “Hand of God” came the “goal of the century”, which is considered the most beautiful goal after an individual action in history. Maradona received the ball in his own half from Hector Enrique and began a 55m and ten second run in which he beat five opponents, including Shilton, to make it 2–0.

The game ended with a score of 2:1 in favor of the Argentines.

Diego Maradona died in November 2020 at the age of 60.