Messi And Maradona Same Goal Hand Of God: A Comparative Look

The phrase “Hand of God” instantly conjures Diego Maradona’s infamous 1986 World Cup goal against England. Yet the story does not end there. Lionel Messi, the Argentine maestro who also wears the number 10, has experienced a similar controversy that invites direct comparison. This article examines the two incidents, the surrounding context, and why they matter in the ongoing debate over the greatest footballer of all time.

The Original Hand of God – Maradona (1986)

On 22 June 1986, during the quarter‑final in Mexico City, Maradona scored two of the most talked‑about goals in World Cup history. The first, later dubbed the “Hand of God,” was a quick, illegal handball that eluded the English goalkeeper Peter Shilton. Referee Ali Bin Nasser allowed the goal, and Maradona later claimed it was “a little with the head of God and a little with the hand of God.” This moment remains one of the Unforgettable England Moments – 5 of 10 that still spark debate.

Messi’s Handball Goal – The 2007 Copa del Rey Incident

Less than a decade after Maradona’s episode, a young Messi found himself in a comparable situation. In the 2007 Copa del Rey quarter‑final against Getafe, Messi rushed into the penalty area and, in the heat of the moment, nudged the ball into the net with his left hand. The referee missed the infringement, and the goal stood. While the incident did not occur on the World Cup stage, it reignited discussions about fairness, technology, and the legacy of Argentina’s two greatest left‑