Argentina’s rugby team paid tribute to their footballing counterparts, wearing a special kit against England inspired by the 1986 World Cup winners.
A second meeting between the two nations on the sporting pitch this week brought together two fierce rivals, with the hosts appearing to poke at their visitors with a surprise strip on their backs as they emerged from the tunnel.
Inspired by Diego Maradona, Argentina won the World Cup in Mexico 40 years ago – with the No 10 scoring twice in a quarter-final win over England.
The first of those, famously, was scored via the “Hand of God” over a leaping Peter Shilton, before Maradona produced a simply sublime solo goal as Argentina progressed, eventually beating West Germany in the final.
Now captained by Lionel Messi, they will seek another World Cup crown on Sunday as they meet Spain in the showpiece decider to the footballing tournament.
It has been a week of political tensions between Argentina and England, with Lionel Scaloni’s squad celebrating with a banner referencing the Falklands War after a semi-final win over England.
Banners referencing “Las Malvinas” were also apparent in Santiago del Estero as the two rugby teams clashed in the final round of the first phase of the inaugural Nations Championship.
