Gianni Infantino has visited the stadium of Argentinos Juniors where Diego Maradona began his professional career as a 15-year-old, an experience the FIFA President described as “something truly special.” Mr Infantino also took part in a match with FIFA Legends and visited the stadium’s museum, which is known as the Temple of Football and recalls the history of the club and the early days of Diego Maradona’s career. The FIFA President had begun the day by meeting the presidents of Argentina’s clubs at the headquarters of the Liga Profesional de Fútbol, accompanied by the Argentinian Football Association (AFA) President Claudio Tapia and Argentina’s Minister for Tourism and Sport, Matías Lammens.

Mr Infantino was then taken to the Diego Armando Maradona stadium in Buenos Aires and toured the club museum in the company of Cristian Malaspina, the President of Argentinos Juniors, and Juan Pablo Sorín, a former Argentinos Juniors and Argentina player. “A wonderful day in Buenos Aires! Spending time with Claudio Tapia and Matías Lammens for a total immersion into Argentinian football, meeting with teams from the LPF and reflecting on the impact of the FIFA U-20 World Cup on this country,” the FIFA President said.

"Later we paid tribute to the great Diego Armando Maradona by visiting the stadium where he began his career for Argentinos Juniors, something truly special for anyone who loves football. Then, to be able to play football – alongside some more legends of the game and of this country – while wearing his famous number 10 shirt, on the same pitch as he performed so beautifully, was a true honour.” Mr Infantino added: “My gratitude goes to everyone who has welcomed me so warmly to Argentina, home of the world champions, and a big congratulations to the AFA for hosting such a brilliant tournament.,” he said, referring to the FIFA U-20 World Cup™ which ended on Sunday.