The tributes to Maradona, the tributes, go around the world hour by hour. Everywhere, on any court, in any game. And an image for history, another one, is that of the captain of the All Blacks supporting his team’s 10th in memory of the best in the world. And then came the Haka, with that shirt on the floor.
The funny thing is that on the Argentine side there was little. The anthem was sung by Sophie Morris and the players accompanied, with moments of emotion in their eyes. Y the team wore a simple black tape, something imperceptible, for the death of the emblematic Argentine who is the face in the world.
The Pumas always generated that love for the shirt, spreading especially when singing the anthem. They were very prominent historically for that. This time, the big note was taken by the rivals, who dedicated a special moment to Maradona. And Nicolás Fernández Miranda (former scrum half of Los Pumas, historical substitute for Pichot, and today Ledesma’s assistant), got up running and wore the shirt in homage of the All Blacks to save it. It goes straight to the museum.
“I didn’t know (about the tribute) until I tossed the coin with Sam Cane and he told me about it. I am very grateful for that. Obviously Diego Maradona was very great for Argentina, so I am very grateful for that gesture from the All Blacks.” declared Pablo Matera, captain of Los Pumas.
Argentine fans in the stadium.
On Friday night, for example, the basketball team had taken to the court with the 10. The Pumas did carry a ribbon, while in the stands there were several Argentines with flags alluding to Diego. It is clear that the feeling is not stained, that each player, as Matera said, felt the loss of Diego as an Argentine. Only this time there was no tribute according to the passionate history of Los Pumas.
The formation of Los Pumas.
Nico Fernández Miranda took the All Blacks.
Maradona with the oval, Pichot in the background.
Maradona with Los Pumas, in 2015.
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