Tuesday’s dramatic Argentina win over Nigeria to advance from Group D in the World Cup saw a whole lot of discussion of famed former Argentina star player (and not-so-star manager) Diego Maradona. Maradona was in the crowd, regularly focused on by the TV cameras, and emphatic throughout:
https://twitter.com/illusigram/status/1011706563600449536
That double-bird flipping, after Argentina’s late goal, sparked particular discussion. But what came after that is more concerning. There are multiple reports that Maradona needed medical attention following the match, and was taken to hospital:
https://twitter.com/SInow/status/1011714176157396998
Reports that Maradona has been taken to hospital… https://t.co/TVZRmAqjbc
— Ed Aarons (@ed_aarons) June 26, 2018
The 57-year-old Maradona played for Argentina’s national team from 1977 through 1994, scoring 34 goals in 91 senior team appearances and leading Argentina to a World Cup triumph in 1986. He has stirred plenty of controversy as well, both during and after his playing career, for everything from domestic violence accusations to drug use to his time as the manager of Argentina’s national team (2008-2010). But he’s still revered by many in the soccer world, and the love for him remains particularly strong amongst many fans in Argentina. And there will be a lot of focus on his health here. We’ll update this post as more information becomes available.
[Bleacher Report; Maradona screengrab via @ScoopWhoop on Twitter]
