"It is a very sad day for all Argentines and for football. He is leaving us but he is not going, because Diego is eternal," Messi took to Instagram to pay tribute to Maradona.
"I will hold close all the beautiful moments I have lived with him and I want to take this time to send my most sincere condolences to all his family and friends. RIP."
Messi who played for the national team in the 2010 edition of the FIFA World Cup in South Africa under Maradona's managership in the 2010 World Cup termed his football legend's passing away as ‘sad for the beautiful game.’
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An unparalleled magician: Cristiano Ronaldo Pays Tribute To Maradona
Portuguese and Juventus star striker Cristiano Ronaldo paid tribute to Maradona by sharing an emotion post on his instagram handle.
“Today I say goodbye to a friend and the world says goodbye to an eternal genius. One of the best of our times. An unparalleled magician. He leaves too early but leaves a legacy without limits and a void that will never be filled. Rest in peace. You will never be forgotten,” wrote Ronaldo.
Will kick a ball together in heaven: Pele on Maradona's Death
Sharing the iconic photo of Maradona in an Argentina jersey holding up the World Cup, Pele wrote on Twitter that the world lost a legend.
"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," he wrote.
"I am very sad. I am nostalgic for what was a wonderful era," French football legend Michel Platini told told French radio station RTL. "Diego left a mark on my life."
A Devastating Blow - Italian club Napoli
“We are in mourning,” said club spokesman Nicola Lombardo. “We feel like a boxer who has been knocked out. We are in shock.”
"The world awaits our words but there are no words to describe the pain we're going through. Now is the time to grieve," the club's official Twitter handle read.
A Player for Our Club And An Icon Of World Football - FC Barcelona
Barcelona Football club, where Maradona played from 1982-1984, referred to him as an icon of world football and thanked him for his contributions to the club during his stint with Camp Nou in the mid 80s..
“FC Barcelona expresses its deepest condolences regarding the death of Diego Armando Maradona, a player for our club and an icon of world football. Rest in peace Diego. Thank you for everything,” the club wrote.