MMore than 200 people gathered in the heart of the Wynwood Arts District to witness the unveiling of “Heroes of ’86,” the first mural in the United States dedicated to the historic Argentina national team that won the 1986 FIFA World Cup in Mexico.
The mural was installed at 235 25th Street NW in Miami and was dedicated with an emotional ribbon-cutting ceremony led by World Cup champions Sergio Batista and Ricardo Giusti. Both were visibly moved to see the legacy of that legendary team brought to life through urban art.
The ceremony was also attended by Argentina’s Consul General in Miami, Marcelo Ghilardoni, and the mural’s creator, Paraguayan artist Lili Cantero.
The artwork pays homage to Diego Armando Maradona’s team that lifted the World Cup trophy at the Estadio Azteca in 1986, and is part of a wider initiative called Heroes of ’86, which aims to reunite the World Cup champions to preserve that legacy.
A mural celebrating history, football and community
The event attracted fans, journalists, soccer collectors and members of Miami’s Latin community to take photos with the champions, sign jerseys and hear stories from the historic Argentina national team.
Known for fusing art and soccer in a variety of formats, including boots, balls, and murals, Lili Cantero’s work is now part of Wynwood’s cultural landscape, widely recognized as one of the most important urban outdoor museums in the world.
The mural celebrates not only the World Cup title, but also the cohesive spirit of coach Carlos Bilardo’s team, which left a lasting mark on international football.
“Heroes of ’86” project and champion wines
The announcement also marked the U.S. launch of the project’s official wines, Heroes and La Final.
Two labels created by the World Cup champions themselves as a way to keep the legacy of their historic team alive.
The wine was developed by renowned winemaker Richard Bombin of Mendoza Vineyards, part of the international Origin Wine Group, a property of Bernard Fontanas, and is associated with the prestigious winery Finca La Anita in Agrelo, Luzine de Cuyo, Mendoza, one of Argentina’s most famous wine regions.
Both wines are from the 2018 vintage.
la final
Heroes (Red Blend):
Cabernet Franc 50% Cabernet Sauvignon 40% Petit Verdot 10%
The project was initiated jointly by Oscar Ruggeri and wine entrepreneur Jorge del Valle, with the aim of creating a product that represents the values of the championship team.
The initiative now has several members, including members of the 1986 World Cup.
Sergio Batista Ricardo Giusti Jorge Burchaganelli Pumpido Director Enrique Oscar Ruggeri Carlos Tapia Oscar Garr
This includes the coaching staff, masseuses, assistants and the families of team members who are no longer with us, such as Jos Luis “Tata” Brown, Jos Cucciuffo and Diego Maradona.
Solidarity Fund for World Champions
More than a tribute, this project has a clear mission to impact society.
A portion of the proceeds generated by the wines “Heroes” and “La Final” will be allocated to a shared fund established by the 1986 World Cup winners, with the aim of providing financial assistance to former players, staff and collaborators who may need support in the future.
As Champion himself explains, the spirit of the project is rooted in the values that defined its team.
First and foremost is the team.
Where to find wine in Florida
This wine is already available in several locations in the United States.
