One of the greatest geniuses in the history of world football, Diego Armando Maradona scored his final FIFA World Cup goal 32 years ago. The legendary Argentine number 10 played in a World Cup for the last time in 1994, a tournament remembered for his suspension following a failed anti-doping test.
On June 18, 1994, Argentina faced Greece in their opening match of the World Cup in the United States. On the pitch, it was a masterclass from the South Americans: Alfio Basile’s side saw Gabriel Batistuta score a hat-trick, while Maradona added the other goal in a commanding 4–0 victory.
Instead of the traditional white-and-sky-blue striped shirt that had captivated the world with its passion and fighting spirit, Argentina took the field that day wearing its dark blue away kit. The jersey featured black details along the sides.
In their quest for a third World Cup title, the South American side arrived at the 1994 tournament without much fanfare and had even been in danger of missing out altogether. Maradona’s return to the national team came in dramatic fashion, as he was called up to rescue a squad that was at risk of failing to qualify.
Argentina was going through a deep crisis after suffering a shocking 5–0 defeat to Colombia at the Monumental de Núñez Stadium, forcing the team into a playoff against Australia. Faced with the real possibility of elimination, public opinion and the media strongly pushed for Diego’s return, despite him being without a club and living through a period of obscurity.
The Argentines started the tournament with an emphatic win, but their campaign would not go very far. Much of that was due to what happened after the 2–1 victory over Nigeria in the second matchday. Following a positive test for ephedrine, a substance strictly prohibited in sports, on June 25, Maradona was immediately expelled from the tournament and handed a 15-month suspension from football.
After the incident, Maradona heavily criticized FIFA, delivering his famous quote, “they cut off my legs,” and he never played for Argentina in a World Cup again. In 1998, after making 31 appearances over three seasons for Boca Juniors, el Díos hung up his boots.
