Maradona Tribute Game

BUENOS AIRES, 11.11.01 - In a match honoring the legendary Argentine star Diego Maradona, a crowd of 50,000 paid tribute to the player who many consider to be one of the greatest players ever.

The game featured the current Argentine team led by Maradona versus an All Star XI. Maradona donned his old number 10 jersey and converted two penaly kicks as the Argntine squad bested the All Star XI 6-3 at Boca Juniors' Bombonera stadium.

The All Star XI included such soccer stars as Carlos Valderrama (Columbia), Hristo Stoichkov (Bulgaria), Nolberto Solano (Peru), Enzo Francéscoli (Uruguay), Eric Cantona (France), and Argentina's Juan Sebastian Veron, Walter Samuel, Juan Roman Riquelme and Kily Gonzalez.

Goals were scored by Pablo Aimar (2), Claudio Lopez (1) and Lucas Castorman (1) for the home squad. The All Star XI goals were scored by Davor Suker (1), Eric Cantona (1) and René Higuita (1).

Soccer luminaries Pele and Michel Platini watched the action from the stands. During a tearful farewell speech, Maradona told the crowd,"This is too much for one person, for one footballer...I thank you with all my heart."