Maradona Dedicates Mexico Win to Valentino Rossi

Often through the duration of the FIFA World Cup 2010, we have seen some kind of links between the world of football and motor racing. And, while the majority of media reports on this topic focused on the clash between England and Germany in the first knock-out stage of the World Cup on Sunday, Argentina's win over Mexico in the same stage of the tournament turned into a dedication to one of the winningest champions in motor racing.

Following the clash yesterday night, which resulted in a 3-1 victory for the Argentine squad over their Central America rivals, coach Diego Armando Maradona publicly dedicated this win to 7-time MotoGP champion and 9-time FIM ace Valentino Rossi.

“I’d like to dedicate this victory to my friend Valentino Rossi who is injured. I hope that he’ll return to racing soon. He’s the greatest of them all, just like Messi,” said Maradona at the press conference after the match.

The two major figures of the sporting world are known to be very good friends, and Maradona's gesture during last year's San Marino GP at Misano Adriatico has already made the history books. When preparing for the race at Misano (on the grid), Rossi got a visit from the Argentine football legend, with whom he exchanged a few words.

At the end of the short discussion, Maradona kissed Rossi's hand, a gesture that was broadcasted worldwide in a matter of hours. Later on, the man who most refer to as the best footballer of all time argued it by the immense appreciation he has for the Italian champion.

If we are to be a bit ironic, we can't help it from noticing that the referee for yesterday night's match between Argentina and Mexico was Italian Roberto Rosetti, Rossi's countryman. And it all played out in favor or Maradona's side too, as Rosetti allowed a Carlos Tevez' goal from off-side in the first first half.