Lionel Messi has faced similarities with Diego Maradona throughout his career due to his playing style, nationality and ability to perform at a level above the rest of the elite.
Yet Maradona’s most famous goal was his ‘Hand of God’ effort against England at the 1986 World Cup, when he punched the ball past Three Lions goalkeeper Peter Shilton in one of sport’s most iconic moments. 21 years later, Messi scored in similar fashion in one of the most dramatic days in La Liga.
Going into the penultimate round of matches, the title could go either to Barcelona, Real Madrid or Sevilla. Madrid led the way by virtue of their superior head-to-head record, but everything hung in the balance as Los Blancos faced a tough trip to Real Zaragoza as Barca hosted Catalan rivals Espanyol, with Sevilla away at Real Mallorca.
