Barcelona star Lionel Messi has paid tribute to Diego Maradona after his passing.
The football legend had a heart attack at his home just two weeks after leaving hospital, having undergone surgery on a blot clot in his brain.
Maradona, regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, helped Argentina win the World Cup in 1986, the pinnacle of an illustrious career that saw him widely adored for spells at Boca Juniors, Barcelona and Napoli at club level.
Messi, who is widely regarded as Maradona’s heir in Argentina and one of his rivals when it comes to the Greatest Of All Time debate, paid an emotional tribute to his idol on Instagram.
Having played under Maradona at international level between 2008 and 2010, the Barcelona superstar posted two pictures of himself with the legendary former player alongside the message: ‘A very sad day for all Argentines and for football. He leaves us but does not leave, because Diego is eternal.
“This is a very sad day for all Argentines and for football,” Messi wrote in a post on Instagram, in which he shared a photo of the two legendary No.10s together.
“He has left us, but he hasn’t gone, because Diego is eternal.
“I remember all the nice moments we experienced together and I send my condolences to all his family and his friends. RIP.”
Another football legend, the great Brazilian Pele, wrote: ‘What sad news. I lost a great friend and the world lost a legend. There is still much to be said, but for now, may God give strength to family members. One day, I hope we can play ball together in the sky.’
Cristiano Ronaldo posted an old picture of himself with Maradona on his Instagram account and wrote: ‘Today I say goodbye to a friend and the world says goodbye to an eternal genius.
‘One of the best ever. An unparalleled magician. He leaves too soon, but leaves a legacy without limits and a void that will never be filled. Rest in peace, ace. You will never be forgotten.’
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