Diego Maradona: Pele and Lionel Messi lead tributes to Argentinian football legend

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Diego Maradona and Pele became friends in recent years after always being considered rivals for the title of the greatest footballer ever.
Diego Maradona and Pele became friends in recent years after always being considered rivals for the title of the greatest footballer ever.

Buenos Aires, Argentina - "Today I say goodbye to a friend and the world says goodbye to an eternal genius," Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo says.

By Reuters

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Published: Wed 25 Nov 2020, 11:03 PM

Last updated: Wed 25 Nov 2020, 11:23 PM

Argentine football legend Diego Maradona died on Wednesday, aged 60, after suffering a heart attack.

Following are some reactions to his death:


BRAZIL LEGEND PELE ON INSTAGRAM

"Sad news today. I have lost a dear friend, and the world has lost a legend," Pele wrote on Instagram, alongside a picture of Maradona hoisting the World Cup trophy in 1986.


"There is much more to say, but for now may God give his family strength. One day, I hope, we will play soccer together in the sky."

ARGENTINA AND BARCELONA CAPTAIN LIONEL MESSI, ON INSTAGRAM

"A very sad day for all Argentinians and for football. He has left us but he isn't going anywhere because Diego is eternal. I'll remember the lovely moments I experienced with him and I send my condolences to his family and friends. Rest in peace."

ITALIAN SOCCER CLUB NAPOLI, WHERE MARADONA PLAYED FROM 1984-1991

"Everyone is waiting for our words but what words could we possibly use for a pain such as this that we are going through? Now is the moment for tears. Then there will be the moment for words.

"We are in mourning. We feel like a boxer who has been knocked out. We are in shock. A devastating blow for both city and club. Always in our hearts. Ciao Diego."

BRAZIL FOOTBALL GREAT PELE, IN A STATEMENT TO REUTERS

"Sad news to lose a friend like that. May God give enough strength to his family. For sure, one day we will kick a ball together in heaven."

FORMER ENGLAND STRIKER GARY LINEKER, ON TWITTER

"By some distance the best player of my generation and arguably the greatest of all time. After a blessed but troubled life, hopefully he'll finally find some comfort in the hands of God. #RipDiego"

ARGENTINA'S FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION, ON TWITTER

"Argentina's football association, through its president Claudio Tapia, shares its deepest pain over the death of our legend, Diego Armando Maradona. You will always be in our hearts."

PORTUGAL AND JUVENTUS STAR CRISTIANO RONALDO, ON INSTAGRAM

"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."

BOCA JUNIORS FOOTBALL CLUB, WHERE MARADONA PLAYED FROM 1981-82, 1995-97

"Eternal thanks. Eternal Diego."

BARCELONA FOOTBALL CLUB, WHERE MARADONA PLAYED FROM 1982-1984

"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."

ARGENTINA PRESIDENT ALBERTO FERNANDEZ, ON TWITTER

"You took us to the highest point in the world, and made us immensely happy. You were the greatest of all. Thank you for being you, Diego, we will miss you for the rest of our lives."

UEFA PRESIDENT ALEKSANDER CEFERIN

"He was a hero in his native Argentina, with whom he enjoyed World Cup glory, and became an eternal idol for the supporters of Napoli, who will never forget the successes he brought to the club during his memorable spell in Italy.

"He will go down in history as someone who set football alight and thrilled fans young and old with his brilliance and skill."

FORMER PRESIDENT OF BOLIVIA EVO MORALES

"With pain in my soul I have learned of the death of my brother, Diego Armando Maradona. A person who understood and fought for humble people. The best player in the world."

INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE PRESIDENT THOMAS BACH

"Farewell to an all-time great. You were a troubled soul, but you delighted the whole world with your unique footballing skills. RIP."

PRESIDENT OF SOUTH AMERICAN FOOTBALL CONFEDERATION ALEJANDRO DOMINGUEZ

"The owner of an unparalleled talent and a charismatic personality, Diego gave joy and excitement to all of us who love football. The best player in the world has left us."


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