The football world is still reeling from the death of Argentine legend Diego Maradona last week.
Photo via Instagram (@leomessi)
Across the globe, particularly in Europe, this weekend’s round of matches began with a minute’s silence for the World Cup winner.
But Barcelona’s Lionel Messi decided to take it one step further with an emotional tribute to his idol and fellow countryman.
When celebrating his goal in Barcelona’s 4-0 La Liga win over Osasuna, Messi stripped off his Barca jersey to reveal the red-and-black shirt of Argentine club Newell’s Old Boys, with no.10 on the back in honour of Maradona.
Messi then blew a kiss with both hands to the sky as he looked up to the heavens.
Photo via FC Barcelona
The homage was particularly significant because Newell’s was where Messi spent his formative years, and also where Maradona played towards the end of his career.
Newell’s themselves were moved by Messi’s gesture, paying tribute on social media by saying: "It's all about number 10. The best player in the world and his tribute to #D10S."
By: Nicholas Darren John
