Messi And Ronaldo Give Their Final Tribute To Maradona

Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo paid their respects to football legend Diego Maradona, who just died on Wednesday local time.

Messi, who continues Maradona's torch in the Argentina national team, said the legend never left because his figure would always last in the world of football.

Messi has also felt the touch of Maradona's coaching when the legend handled the Argentine national team, including at the 2010 World Cup finals.

"A sad day for all Argentines and the world of football. He left us all but never really left, because Diego is eternal," Messi wrote on his personal Instagram, @leomessi.

"I remember the happy moments I spent with him and I also send my condolences to his family and relatives. Rest in peace," Messi wrote while pinning two photos of his time with Maradona.

Meanwhile, Ronaldo calls Maradona an eternal genius and his legacy in the world of football will never be replaced by anyone.

"Today I say goodbye to a friend and the world parting ways with an immortal genius," Ronaldo wrote on his personal Instagram, @cristiano.

"One of the best players of all time. A wizard unmatched. He went so fast, leaving a legacy without limits and a hole that no one can fill. Take a rest, champ. You will never be forgotten," Ronaldo wrote in the same upload.

Messi and Ronaldo are two players who are often side by side and compared to their prowess in the world of modern football, almost alike in the debate about Maradona and Brazilian legend Pele.