The iconic ball from Diego Maradona's legendary 'Hand of God' moment at the 1986 FIFA World Cup has been sold at auction — but it failed to come anywhere near its much-publicized $10 million estimate.

The ball, which became one of the most infamous pieces of football memorabilia in history, was used during Argentina's quarter-final clash against England in Mexico City. Maradona punched the ball into the net with his left hand, a goal that went unpunished by the referee and has since been etched into football folklore as the 'Hand of God.' Just minutes later, Maradona scored what is widely regarded as the 'Goal of the Century,' dribbling past half the England team to seal a 2-1 victory for Argentina.

Despite its enormous historical significance and the hype surrounding the auction, the final sale price fell significantly short of the ambitious $10 million valuation that had been floated ahead of the sale. While the exact figure was not immediately disclosed in early reports, the shortfall highlights the unpredictable nature of the sports memorabilia market, where even the most legendary items can struggle to meet lofty pre-auction estimates.

The ball had been kept by Tunisian referee Ali Bin Nasser, who officiated the 1986 quarter-final and did not realize at the time that Maradona had used his hand. Bin Nasser preserved the match ball for decades before it eventually made its way to the auction block, drawing global attention from collectors and football fans alike.

Maradona, who passed away in November 2020, remains one of the most celebrated and polarizing figures in football history. The 'Hand of God' goal continues to divide opinion — a moment of brazen genius for Argentina fans and an act of outright cheating for England supporters — but its cultural impact is undeniable.