The Pumas were edged out by an inspired Australia side who secured a place in next week's showpiece event at Twickenham where they will meet New Zealand.
Maradona, who is remembered among many in England for his handball antics in the 1986 World Cup, was mobbed before the game and posed for photos with a handful of fans.
Spotted with the Argentina national flag draped around his shoulders, the 54-year-old blew a kiss at the cameras as cheered on his compatriots.
Maradona watched the Puma beat Tonga 45-16 at Leicester last month in the group stages and was later revealed to have gone into the Argentina dressing room to join in the post-match celebrations.