Diego Maradona dies aged 60

Messi, a modern-day Argentinian superstar who followed in the footsteps of his idol by starring for Barcelona and the national team, posted a picture of himself with a beaming smile alongside Maradona.

        View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Leo Messi (@leomessi)

"A very sad day for all Argentines and for football.," Messi wrote. "He leaves us but does not leave, because Diego is eternal.

"I keep all the beautiful moments I experienced with him and I wanted to take the opportunity to send my condolences to all his family and friends. RIP."

Messi's great modern rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, echoed the sentiments, praising the 'eternal' Maradona in a heartfelt Twitter post.