On 22/6/1986, over 114,000 spectators flocked to Azteca Stadium in Mexico City to watch the World Cup quarter-final between England and Argentina. For the football world, it was a historic match marked by two goals from Diego Maradona, including the controversial "Hand of God" strike.

For Oliver Craxton, an English fan in his early 20s at the time, this day changed his entire life.

Oliver and Sofia at Azteca Stadium, Mexico City, Mexico, in 2026. *Photo: Provided*

Oliver traveled to Mexico with his close friend Andy after nearly one year of planning. Both were avid fans of the England national team and Manchester United. To afford the trip, Oliver even sold his beloved oto.

Arriving early at Azteca Stadium, Oliver and Andy did not sit in their assigned seats but blended into a group of English supporters. While waiting for the match to begin, Oliver noticed three young women speaking Spanish but wearing England shirts. After several seat disputes, the three women eventually sat right next to the two men from London.

One of them was Sofia Larrinua, a 21-year-old student from Mexico City.

Unlike many Mexicans, Sofia had a special affection for England. From a young age, she was captivated after watching the British film Melody, gradually becoming a Manchester United fan. One year before the World Cup, she coincidentally met Gary Lineker and other England players at a hotel in Mexico City and asked for their autographs. Therefore, at the 1986 World Cup, Sofia decided to support England.

Oliver and Sofia meeting for the first time in 1986. *Photo: Provided*

When Oliver mentioned Manchester United, Sofia immediately struck up a conversation. The two quickly realized they shared many common interests, from their love for football to their passion for travel and music.

Meanwhile, the atmosphere in the stands grew tense. The Falklands War, which had ended just four years prior, meant relations between English and Argentinian fans remained strained. Oliver recalled many groups burning English flags, and clashes erupting right in the stands.

When a group of Argentinian fans advanced towards them, Oliver immediately stood up to shield Sofia and her two friends. Although the situation quickly de-escalated, this action deeply touched Sofia.

"I thought this man was so kind," Sofia recalled.

For 90 minutes, both cheered, lamented, and talked non-stop. They witnessed Maradona score with his hand and then create one of the most beautiful goals in World Cup history, helping Argentina win 2-1 and eliminate England from the tournament.

Despite their favorite team's defeat, Oliver and Sofia both felt they had received something more valuable than a victory.

After the match, Sofia and her friends took Oliver and Andy to dinner, then to a rooftop bar at a hotel to admire Mexico City by night. Before parting ways, Sofia signed Oliver's hat with the message: "To the wonderful English man."

While Andy and Cecilia, Sofia's friend, quickly fell for each other, Oliver and Sofia progressed more slowly. When Oliver suggested a kiss, Sofia refused, not wanting their first kiss to happen on a crowded street corner.

Three days later, Oliver called Sofia to invite her to a private dinner. The second date helped the two understand each other better. Subsequent meetings nurtured their feelings before Oliver had to return to England. At the airport, Sofia took off her favorite gold bracelet to give to Oliver. In return, he could only offer her the handkerchief he was carrying. The two small gifts became keepsakes cherished for many decades.

The nearly 9,000 km distance did not deter them. At that time, there was no internet or email. The two could only write letters and make international calls one time each month because of the exorbitant cost. Letters often took over one month to arrive, and many were even lost.

Friends advised Sofia to forget the English man and find someone new in Mexico. However, she patiently waited. In the summer of 1987, after nearly one year of saving, Sofia traveled to London. Two and a half months together helped them realize this was more than just a summer romance. They traveled throughout England, watched Manchester United play at Old Trafford, explored the Lake District, Liverpool, and spent hours discussing their future.

After that, Sofia returned to Mexico to complete her studies, while Oliver remained in London. They endured one more long-distance period before Sofia returned to England in the summer of 1988. By 1989, when Sofia planned her third trip to England, her parents suggested that Oliver should come to Mexico to meet the family.

No one knew Oliver had a ring ready. He chose the Pyramid of the Sun at the Teotihuacan archaeological site as the proposal spot. After persuading Sofia to climb hundreds of stone steps under the scorching sun, Oliver knelt down and proposed. Amusingly, Sofia couldn't hear clearly because the wind was too strong.

"I had to ask him to ask again," Sofia recounted.

The second time, she smiled and said, "Yes."

That evening, Oliver formally asked Sofia's father for his daughter's hand in marriage. The family's initial worries quickly dissipated as they realized the kind, sincere English man was entirely different from their preconceptions of football fans at the time.

In late 1989, Oliver and Sofia registered their marriage in London. They also held an Anglican blessing ceremony and a Catholic wedding for both families to attend.

For over three decades, the two have continued to travel together, attend concerts, and support Manchester United and England. In 2026, exactly 40 years since their first meeting, they returned to Azteca Stadium during the World Cup hosted in North America. Both wore the same England shirts they had on 22/6/1986.

Oliver and Sofia's wedding in 1989. *Photo: Provided*

While taking photos in front of the stadium, a Mexican journalist recognized them thanks to their old shirts. Their love story quickly spread online, went viral on social media, then appeared on Mexican national television and FIFA's official account. Televisa later even gave them tickets to watch the England vs. Mexico match at the 2026 World Cup.

Standing in Azteca after four decades, Oliver and Sofia said all their memories came flooding back. What they remembered most was not England's defeat or Maradona's controversial goal, but the fateful moment when the three Mexican girls moved to sit next to the two young English men.

"I always believe in taking opportunities when they arise," Sofia said, adding that if they hadn't changed seats, their lives would have been completely different.

Tuan Anh (Via CNN)