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Diego Maradona remains revered in Argentina as a football icon that loved his people as much as they loved him.
The all-time great, who was affectionately nicknamed ‘El Pibe de Oro’ - The Golden Boy - during his career, proudly represented his national side for 17 years.
Maradona was never afraid to show his passion on the international stage, with one incident at the 1990 World Cup in Italy a prime example.
After previously inspiring his nation to victory at the 1986 World Cup, which featured the infamous ‘Hand of God’ goal against England, Maradona and Argentina looked to defend their title in Italy four years later.
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Maradona was nearing the end of a seven-year spell at Napoli and may have expected to have received warm support from the home crowd.
However, Argentina were given a frosty reception in their opening game against Cameroon, with the Italians instead choosing to support the African side.
Argentina would lose the match 1-0 but would progress to the knockout stage of the competition, later meeting hosts Italy in the semi-finals.
The match in Naples would end 1-1 with Argentina eventually winning 4-3 on penalties, with Maradona scoring his spot kick at the Stadio San Paolo.
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Argentina progressed to face West Germany in the final in Rome and understandably received a hostile reception from the home support.
In footage that has resurfaced on Twitter, Maradona can be seen reacting angrily after the Argentinian national anthem is booed.
The camera begins to pan across the Argentinian players, some of whom are stunned into silence by the ferocity of the crowd.
The shot then focuses on Argentina captain Maradona, who is clearly incensed by the lack of respect.
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He appears to utter the Spanish phrase ‘Hijo de puta’ twice, which roughly translates to ‘Son of a b***h’.
Maradona would not get the last laugh, however, as West Germany would go to win the final 1-0 thanks to a late penalty from Andreas Brehme.
Maradona would later represent Argentina at one more World Cup in 1994 before eventually retiring from international football with an impressive record of 34 goals in 91 games.
Featured Image Credit: FIFA/TwitterTopics: Argentina, Maradona, Football, Football World Cup
