The plan was hatched by the president of FIFA. He wanted at least one former superstar from each nation at the World Cup to provide an ambassadorial role in their country's games.
The concept is to mix the past and the present. Not unexpectedly, such stars were to be rewarded by the world soccer body while their expenses are paid for travel and accommodation.
Hence, as part of president Gianni Infantino's legends scheme, the Argentinian legend is being paid £10,000 per match.
It appears the plucky genius is living up to expectation as he has become a figure of hilarity and controversy at the soccer fiesta.
Unsurprisingly, it did not take long for the former Napoli and Barcelona forward to make headlines,smoking a cigar during Argentina's first match against Iceland, despite it being a 'tobacco-free World Cup'.
