Maradona unplugged: Argentina's Dear Diego steals the show off the field

Here are some instances when Diego Maradona displayed his emotions during Argentina vs Nigeria match in FIFA World Cup 2018. Reportedly, he had to be taken to a hospital after the match

On Tuesday night, the world was waiting with bated breath for Lionel Messi to net his first goal in the Russia World Cup. And he did just that in style, helping Argentina beat Nigeria 2-1 in a crucial match that made sure the South American nation qualified for the knockouts. On the pitch, the spotlight was on Messi, who carried the hopes of millions of fans on his shoulders. Off the pitch, it was Diego Maradona who stole the show during the match.   

The football legend displayed his myriad emotions at the stands. Gauging his response after the first goal  --- scored by Messi, some Twitter users said Maradona appeared "possessed". The man who was instrumental behind giving Argentina their second Cup in 1986 couldn't keep his emotions in check after the second Argentine goal at the fag end. 

What else? The former national coach danced with a woman wearing a Nigerian jersey and thumped his chest in joy, displaying his passion for the Beautiful Game throughout the 94 minutes of the high-voltage match.

Here are a few of those moments:

Maradona after Messi's goal. Photo: Twitter

Maradona holding a life-size banner of his during the match. Photo: USA Today

Maradona holding his head in his hands during the match. Photo: Twitter

Reports of Maradona being taken to a hospital emerged after the match. Below is a video clip of him being taken out of the stands.


 

Maradona being checked. Photo: Daily Post Nigeria

 

Meanwhile, fans trolled him on Twitter with before-after memes.