Maradona, who also scored a wonder-goal in the same match which ended 2-1 for the South Americans, is in Scotland for his first game as boss of Argentina since being appointed earlier in the month.

In England at least, the former Napoli and Barcelona star is renowned for punching the ball past Peter Shilton rather than his solo run from the halfway line which left a string of players in his wake before he slipped the ball in to the net.

Scotland assistant boss Terry Butcher, who was in the England side that infamous day 22 years ago, claimed he would not shake Maradona's hand at the friendly at Hampden Park tonight.

However, at a packed press conference at a Glasgow city centre hotel, the South American legend had some fun as he looked back at Geoff Hurst's controversial goal in the 1966 World Cup at Wembley.

Holding his hands a foot apart, Maradona said: "England won the World Cup in 1966 with a goal that didn't cross the line.

"It was that far away from being over the line.

"So I don't think it's fair that anyone should judge me when stuff like that went on."

Maradona continued: "I can't understand the attitude of Butcher.

"Let him get on with his life and I will get on with mine.

"If people are fine with me then I am fine with them.

"I'm not going to seek him out and I won't lose any sleep if he doesn't shake my hand. I will still be alive tomorrow."

Maradona will be the most popular opposition boss to take his place in the Hampden dugout.

He is still fondly remembered by Scottish supporters from his first appearance at the stadium in 1979 when, as an 18-year-old, he scored his first international goal when Argentina beat Scotland 3-1 in a summer friendly.

Fans have followed him around since he arrived in Glasgow on Sunday and he is looking to repay their affection by inspiring his new charges to another impressive Argentinian display on Scottish soil tonight, which might not be good news for George Burley's side.

Maradona said: "It was nice to get my first goal in Scotland - it was very special.

"I'm very happy to be back here after all this time and I'm proud to be heading the Argentina national side.

"I'm very much aware of how popular I apparently am in Scotland.

"It's nice to see that I have made people happy and if I could do it again then it would be marvellous.

"I want to repay them by offering up a great show, a feast of football."