Liga MX defines Matchday 4 with three key matches

The day that history changed

On June 22, 1986, at the Azteca Stadium, Diego Armando Maradona wrote two indelible pages of world football. Argentina faced England in the quarterfinals of the Mexico 86 World Cup. Four decades later, that match is still more remembered than the final that the Albiceleste won on the same stage.

“That afternoon is a national day in Argentina,” says Daniel Arcucci, Maradona’s biographer.

The emotional burden went beyond the sport. The Malvinas War (1982) was still an open wound. Maradona, although before the match he declared that it was only football, carried within him the desire to give consolation to his people.

Goals that explain a myth

First came the goal with the hand, which Diego himself defined years later as “stealing a thief’s wallet.” Then, the masterpiece: he dribbled past half the English team to score what many consider the best goal in history.

“That explains why Maradona is a myth: a goal with his hand and another dribbling against so many Englishmen,” Arcucci summarizes.

Thirty years later, at his home in Buenos Aires, Maradona confessed to the biographer: “We felt like we were avenging those boys.” He was referring to those who fell in the Malvinas.

The Azteca became its cathedral. Returning to the stadium well into the 21st century, Maradona said: “How can I not remember if this place is the cathedral of my life.” The match of June 22, 1986 continues to be, for millions, the moment where football transcended the field.

The Argentine hope remains strong

After lifting the World Cup in Qatar 2022, Lionel Scaloni’s team does not stop. In his debut at the 2026 World Cup, Lionel Messi scored a hat trick against Algeria. Now, the next obstacle is Austria, in Dallas.

Scaloni highlighted the group’s hunger: “We have played great games after Qatar, we maintain a line. We are in good health and the players have not slowed down. There is always room for improvement.”

Messi has 16 goals in World Cups. With just one more, he will surpass Miroslav Klose and become the competition’s all-time top scorer.

Fake news that united the team

During the week, a rumor circulated about the health of Messi’s father. Scaloni asked not to delve into the subject, but highlighted the group’s unity: “We believe that the team is what saves situations. Living next to a friend makes everything more bearable. I prefer not to talk more, but we are fine.”

Regarding this afternoon’s opponent, Scaloni commented: “Austria is difficult, they have good players, they press well, they are vertical. It will be a great challenge.”

The match will be played this Monday, June 22 at 11:00 a.m., from Dallas Stadium, with transmission on ViX and World Pass.

In the FIFA box, the atmosphere was one of celebration and complicity. Former footballers such as Ronaldo, Julio César, Kaká, Cafú and Roberto Carlos attended the Brazil vs. Haiti, where the South American team achieved a resounding victory.

Coexistence between legends

Before the opening whistle, the Brazilian figures shared anecdotes and relived old memories with Gianni Infantino, president of the governing body. However, the manager did not go unnoticed: he became the butt of jokes during an improvised game with the ball.

In the video, which quickly spread on social networks, Infantino is seen trying to recover the ball without success. The legends easily surpassed him, which caused constant laughter. Finally, the president gave up and asked to change places with Ronaldo, who watched the scene with laughter.

Brazil will seek to maintain its good form in the tournament when it faces Scotland, its next rival. The team arrives as a favorite thanks to its offensive power and the individual quality of its figures.