Lionel Messi paid tribute to the late Diego Maradona in wonderful fashion after scoring for Barcelona this afternoon.
After very nearly pulling off his own 'Hand of God', the Barcelona captain scored a stunning goal in the routine 4-0 win over Osasuna at the Nou Camp and his celebration was an emotional one.
Messi dedicated his goal to Maradona by removing his Barcelona shirt and revealing an old Newell's Old Boys No.10 shirt that the legendary Argentine wore during his brief stint there.
He also did a kissing gesture and pointed to the sky following his former manager's passing as a result of a cardiac arrest on Wednesday.
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Messi, a boyhood Newell's fan who played for the club as a youngster, was on the pitch during kick-ups as a five-year-old when Maradona made his debut.
There have been plenty of parallels drawn between Maradona and Messi over the years and the two memorably linked up in a 2005 charity game when the former was 45 and latter was just 18.
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Maradona later managed Messi when in charge of the Argentina national team and the six-time Ballon d'Or winner paid tribute to him 'El Diego' on Instagram after his death.
Messi wrote: "A very sad day for all Argentines and for football. He leaves us but does not leave, because Diego is eternal.
"I keep all the beautiful moments I lived with him and I wanted to take the opportunity to send my condolences to all his family and friends. RIP."
Featured Image Credit: Premier SportsTopics:Β Football News, FC Barcelona, Football, Lionel Messi, Diego Maradona, Argentina
