‘An unrivalled magician’: What they said about Maradona

‘‘A very sad day for all Argentinians and for football. He leaves us, but he is not gone because Diego is eternal. I stay with all the beautiful moments I lived with him and I wanted to send my condolences to his family and friends.'' Argentina and Barcelona forward Lionel Messi.

‘‘Sad news today. I have lost a dear friend, and the world has lost a legend. One day, I hope, we will play soccer together in the sky.'' Brazil great Pele.

‘‘Today I say goodbye to a friend and the world says goodbye to an eternal genius. One of the best ever. An unrivalled magician. He departs too soon, but leaves a legacy with no limits.'' Portugal and Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo.

‘‘You will always be in our memory, you left your legacy. Soccer thanks you.'' Brazil and PSG forward Neymar.

‘‘My friend is gone. Maradona, the legend! The Argentine that conquered the world with the ball at his feet, but also for his joy and unique personality.'' Former Brazil forward Romario. ‘‘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.'' Former England striker Gary Lineker.

‘‘He had everything technically: Left foot, control, shooting, and he was also very lively. To avoid the assassins [on the field] in the 1970s and 80s you were better off being very, very lively, and he was a dribbler, too. He would dribble, dribble, dribble.'' Former France great Michel Platini.