Diego Maradona’s little known contribution to monetary theory

Argentina’s legendary footballer Diego Maradona led his country to victory in the 1986 World Cup, beating West Germany in the final. However, the crowning moment of his career came earlier in the tournament, beating England 2-1 in the quarter-finals. Maradona scored both of Argentina’s goals, and each of them were iconic for different reasons.

The first was the infamous “Hand of God,” when Maradona rose to challenge the ball with English goalkeeper Peter Shilton and craftily (and illegally) punched it over his opponent and into the net. The referee did not see the infraction and the goal was allowed to stand. After the match, Maradona said that the goal was scored “a little with his head, and a little with the hand of God.” Much of the English tabloid press is still smarting from this incident, 34 years later.

Maradona’s second goal, however, was a masterpiece dubbed “the goal of the century.” In a 60-yard dribble, starting from within his own half of the pitch, Maradona slalomed past five English defenders before rounding the goalkeeper and...