Argentina captain Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Pele have all paid respect to fellow football icon Diego Maradona after his death at the age of 60 following a heart attack.
“A very sad day for all Argentines and for football. He leaves us but does not leave, because Diego is eternal,” Messi wrote in a message on Instagram, accompanied by two images of himself with the late football legend.
“I keep all the beautiful moments lived with him and I wanted to take the opportunity to send my condolences to all his family and friends. RIP.”
Cristiano Ronaldo has posted a heartfelt message after the death of Argentina icon Diego Maradona, bidding farewell to a man he called “a friend” and hailing the legacy he leaves behind.
Fellow generational great, Cristiano Ronaldo hailed Maradona’s legacy;
“Today I say goodbye to a friend and the world says goodbye to an eternal genius,” wrote the 35-year-old Portugal star, sharing a picture of himself smiling alongside Maradona.
“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.”
While Pele, who is inevitably mentioned in conversations with Maradona on the topic of football’s greatest in a brief statement to Reuters said, “Certainly, one day we’ll kick a ball together in the sky above.”
Pele and Maradona are widely regarded as two of the greatest footballers in history. They were named joint winners of the FIFA Player of the Century award in 2000.
Maradona led his country to a historic victory at the 1986 World Cup, scoring his famous ‘Hand of God’ goal against England.
He also won two Serie A titles, with Napoli taking the trophy in 1987 and 1990.
After hearing the news of Maradona’s death, Argentine President Alberto Fernandez has declared three days of national mourning.