What a night. Viewers screens were lite up by the unlikeliest of heroes as Marcos Rojo's late volley trust Argentina into the last 16 while Diego Maradona's middle-finger gesture added another bizarre element to an already astonishing evening.
Argentina beat Nigeria 2-1 tonight in their World Cup group D tie after Leo Messi and Rojo combined to overcome Victor Moses' penalty. In the aftermath of the goal the cameras panned to Diego Maradona, as they did all night. Unfortunately for broadcasters, it is at that point that Maradona aimed an unsubtle dig towards the fans below.
Nigeria 1-2 Argentina - Marcus Rojo put Argentina back in front with a wonderful volley #rtesoccer #WorldCup #NGA #ISL pic.twitter.com/oQif5vaSeO
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) June 26, 2018
In the aftermath of the game, Rio Ferdinand commented on Maradona's act and said "His career as a football player on the pitch was up there with the best, but unfortunately there are moments like this that do arrive. It is not nice to see that." Gary Lineker was also critical in his take:
Maradona is in danger of becoming a laughing stock, I'm afraid.
Yet the night clearly took its toll on the 57-year-old told as footage emerged of a fatigued Maradona leaving the stadium.
Malore per #Maradona a fine gara #NigeriaArgentina pic.twitter.com/8DnoiHy18B
— Tutti Convocati (@tutticonvocati) June 26, 2018
Reports after the game have confirmed that Maradona did require treatment after the game but is doing well and on his way to Moscow.
ATENCIÓN | Cuentan desde Rusia que Diego Maradona fue trasladado a un hospital. pic.twitter.com/2Ewqx5vLhy
— Clubes Porteños (@ClubesPortenos) June 26, 2018
