Diego Is Eternal, Says Lionel Messi

Buenos Aires: Argentine football star Lionel Messi paid tribute to Diego Maradona on Wednesday, saying the legend will never be forgotten, reported Xinhua news agency.

The Barcelona star, in a message posted on social media, wrote: “A very sad day for all Argentines and for football. He has left us but he isn’t gone, because Diego is eternal.”

“I am left with all the beautiful moments I experienced with him,” the current Argentina captain said. Messi also expressed his “condolences to all his family and friends.”

Maradona, who died after suffering a massive cardiac arrest on Wednesday, coached the 33-year-old forward for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, where Argentina lost 0-4 to Germany in the quarterfinals.