"El partido" documentary on 1986 Argentina-England match screens in Buenos Aires

A documentary exploring the iconic 1986 World Cup quarter-final match between Argentina and England is set for screening in Buenos Aires. Titled "El partido," the film is based on the acclaimed non-fiction book by Andrés Burgo, first published in 2016 and recently reissued.

The film, directed by Juan Cabral and Santiago Franco, runs for 91 minutes, mirroring the duration of the legendary game. It revisits the epic encounter where Diego Maradona cemented his legendary status with two unforgettable goals: the controversial "Hand of God" and the "Goal of the Century." The documentary aims to capture the significance of "the match," as described by former footballer Oscar Ruggieri, who is featured in the film.

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It wasn't just another match, it was the match.

Burgo's book, originally released on the 30th anniversary of the match, has been reissued in a pocket edition ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The updated version includes an epilogue where Burgo reflects on the challenges of interviewing key figures, some of whom requested financial compensation he could not provide. He also recalls the 1971 women's match between Argentina and England, where Elba Selva scored a hat-trick, likening her performance to Maradona's later feat.

The 1986 match, played at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on June 22, took place in the shadow of the Falklands War. Burgo's work delves into the social and political context of the game, examining the relationship with the war and the political discomfort it generated for then-President Alfonsín. Despite calls from some senators to withdraw from the World Cup, Alfonsín offered public support to the team, urging them to play with calm. The documentary, along with the book, provides a detailed account of the historic day, using extensive documentation, testimonies, and archival research.

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The directors, Juan Castro and Santiago Cabral, who are very talented, did a spectacular job.