They should also pray to the Gods of football that the 1986 world champion inspires his heir Lionel Messi and the Albiceleste selection, beaten Tuesday by Saudi Arabia (2-1), in a match already cut against Mexico on Saturday.

Like many Argentines, Javier Maluf never recovered from the death of Maradona, struck down by a heart attack at the age of 60 on November 25, 2020. The jersey worn by the N.10 in a friendly match against England at Wembley in 1980 is the centerpiece of a collection of a thousand match shirts, the market value of which he estimates at one million dollars.

Javier Maluf poses with a jersey worn by Diego Maradona during a friendly match against England in 1980, on October 4, 2022 in Doha Ivan PISARENKO AFP

"I will wear it as a sign of respect," he told AFP at his home in Doha, where he keeps his collection and other memorabilia.

"We all know his story but also his impact on the game," he adds.

This 56-year-old collector also owns the bloody jersey worn by Mario Kempes against France at the 1978 World Cup.

And also a River Plate jersey worn in 1931 by Carlos Peucelle, who had played in the first World Cup a year earlier.

Undated photo of Diego Maradona kissing the World Cup trophy in 1986 Tomas CUESTA AFP/Archives

In the world of collectors, the objects surrounding Maradona are highly sought after.

In May, the jersey worn by the striker when he scored his legendary goal at the 1986 World Cup using "the hand of God" against England sold at auction for 9.3 million dollars .

The goal ball flew to him at two million dollars in mid-November.

The jersey from that historic quarter-final is on display at the Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum, but Javier Maluf, like other fans, believes it belongs to Argentina.

Khaled DESOUKI AFP

"It would be nice if he went to Argentina one day, for the public to see him and feel his importance," he explains.

More than 30,000 Argentinians traveled to Qatar for the World Cup and while many worship Messi, Maradona's name still carries an almost mystical power.

Pilgrimage

Many fans have made a pilgrimage to the Khalifa Stadium in Doha, where a giant mural honors Maradona.

For the Albiceleste's first match and the shock defeat against Saudi Arabia, spectators wore masks, banners and jerseys bearing the image of Maradona.

And multiple loud tributes to his memory are scheduled for Friday.

A group is planning a parade at FanFest Maradona at Doha International Airport.

The main attraction is a hologram of the "Pibe de Oro" and a "tribute plane" with images of Maradona.

They are to be auctioned and part of the proceeds will be donated to charities.

Argentinian supporters unfurl a banner with Diago Maradona and Lionel Messi on November 22 in Doha Kirill KUDRYAVTSEV AFP

Diego and Churi Veliz attended the game against the Saudis and wore a traditional headdress printed with an image of Maradona riding a camel.

They took many selfies with other Arab supporters.

Gonzalo, 32 years old and a lawyer in Buenos Aires, remembers the shock of the announcement of the death of the cursed genius.

"I was at the beach, my girlfriend announced it to me and I told her to take her things, that we were going back to Buenos Aires" where thousands of people were already waiting in front of Maradona's house, says- he.

On Monday, Claudio was waving a Maradona and Messi flag.

He will serve again against Mexico on Saturday.

Laura Valero, who borrowed $8,000 to come to Qatar, will wear a Maradona jersey "because you have to believe in something", she says of the grim anniversary and the game not to lose.

© 2022 AFP