Maradona: The Behind-the-Scenes Prep of World Champions Just ten days before their group-stage debut against South Korea, Carlos Bilardo’s Argentina was operating under intense public skepticism back home. To fine-tune the squad's tactical chemistry and build rhythm, the Albiceleste organized unpublicized, highly practical training friendlies against local Mexican club teams. On May 23, 1986, at the Club América facilities where they were securely bunkered, Argentina faced Mexican Primera División side Atlante. Bilardo used the match not for public show, but to iron out positioning flaws and test his core lineup's cohesion under tight pressure. The tactical experiment delivered exactly what the coaching staff needed to see, ending in a comfortable victory that set the standard for their tournament run. Match Statistics May 23, 1986, Friendly Training Match, Club América Facilities (Mexico City), Atlante 0, Argentina 3, Goals: Sergio Almirón, Oscar Ruggeri, Diego Maradona. This quiet, b...