The football world was stunned into sadness when football legend Diego Maradona died at the age of 60 due to a cardiac arrest. There were many tributes paid to Diego Maradona but the tribute paid by current football great and Argentina football superstar Lionel Messi will leave everyone teary-eyed. On his Instagram handle, Lionel Messi shared a photo of him with Diego Maradona where he said, “A very sad day for all Argentines and football. He leaves us but does not leave, because Diego is eternal. I keep all the beautiful moments lived with him and I send my condolences to all his family and friends.”
There were tributes from many football players in Spain and South America, with Luis Suarez, the Uruguay and former FC Barcelona star stating, “A lot of strength to the family of a GREAT and World Football Legend. Rest in peace Diego Armando Maradona.” There were praises heaped on Diego Maradona’s contribution to football from Gerard Pique, Xavi, Sergi Roberto and Carlos Puyol.
In most matches that took place on Wednesday, as soon as the news was announced that Diego Maradona had died, the players stood in silence for one minute and the giant screen flashed the picture of Diego Maradona.
Legend of Maradona
FC Barcelona also paid tribute to Diego Maradona, for he had made his name there in the mid-80s when he was picked for a record price of USD 7.6 million. Diego Maradona reserved his best for Barcelona in their El Clasico encounter against Real Madrid. After his stint with Barcelona, he was picked by Napoli for a record sum and his presentation saw 75000 people in attendance as he changed the fortunes of Napoli totally.
In his international career with Argentina, Maradona earned 91 caps and scored 34 goals. Maradona played in four FIFA World Cups, including the 1986 World Cup in Mexico where he captained Argentina and led them to victory over West Germany in the final, and won the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player.
