BARCELONA playmaker Lionel Messi has hailed Diego Maradona as “eternal” – as an autopsy looks set to reveal his cause of death.
The Hand of God legend died from a massive heart attack on November 25, aged 60.
Maradona – who led Argentina to World Cup glory in 1986 – had a long history of bad health, battles with addiction and suffered extreme weight fluctuations over the past few decades.
Follow our live blog below for the latest news and updates on Maradona’s death
IN PICTURES: THANK YOU COSMIC KITE
A masked Boca Juniors fan holds up a sign which reads: “Thank you Cosmic Kite”.
Diego Maradona, considered to be a legendary footballer, died aged 60 from a heart attack on November 25.
‘ONLY MARADONA WOULD DO KICK-UPS WITH A GOLF BALL IN HIS SUIT AND SHOES’
Former Spurs player Ossie Ardiles was great friends with Diego Maradona.
Ardiles was the translator when Maradona spoke at the Oxford Union in 1995.
Speaking to Sportsmail following Maradona’s death, Ossie said: “Here was Diego, on the same stage where Nelson Mandela and Ronald Reagan had stood.
“Suddenly, one guy shouts, ‘Can you do keepie-uppies with this?’, and he throws a golf ball towards us.
“’I’m thinking, ‘Oh no, he’s wearing a suit and brand new shoes, this will be difficult’,” he said.
“Diego pulls his trousers up and starts keeping the ball up.
“Boom, boom, boom. Easy. He then kicks it back to the guy with his heel. It was incredible. Only Diego.”
SNOOKER LEGEND SAYS MARADONA “SURPASSED WHAT WAS HUMANELY POSSIBLE”
In a glowing tribute, snooker star Ronnie O’Sullivan said Diego Maradona “surpassed what was humanely possible”.
Maradona was renowned for his silky skills on the pitch, but known for his colourful lifestyle outside the stadium.
“He’s iconic,” O’Sullivan told Eurosport.
“Maradona, Muhammad Ali, Ayrton Senna, they left their mark on the world. They had the world in their hands. He was incredible.
“I have always said I would prefer a short and exciting life rather than a long and beige life. Maradona definitely had an exciting life.”
REF WHO MISSED ‘HAND OF GOD’ HAILS MARADONA AS ‘GENIUS’
Former referee Ali Bin Nasser, who presided over the 1986 quarter final between England and Argentina, hailed Diego Maradona as a “genius”.
Nasser said he missed Maradona’s controversial “hand of God” goal but described his second finish as a “masterpiece”.
In the 51st minute, the Argentine outjumped England goalkeeper Peter Shilton and punched the ball into the net, giving his side a 1-0 advantage.
“I didn’t see the hand, but I had a doubt,” Bin Nasser said.
“You can see the pictures — I stepped back to take the advice of my assistant, Bulgarian (Bogdan) Dochev, and when he said it was good, I gave the goal.”
FORMER SPURS AND CHELSEA MANAGER SAYS NO PLAYER SHOULD WEAR NO.10
Former Chelsea and Tottenham head coach Andre Villas-Boas believes FIFA should retire the No.10 shirt as a tribute to Diego Maradona, Goal reports.
The Argentine passed away on Wednesday after suffering a massive heart attack, aged 60.
“It is very bad news as well as the loss of a board member [at Porto] who was really important to me, who was the first person to open the door for me to the coaching world,” AVB said after Marseille’s 2-0 defeat to Porto.
“And Maradona yes it is tough news, I would like FIFA to retire the No.10 shirt in all competitions, for all teams.”
SIMEONE: ‘MARADONA WAS THE BEST’
Atletico Madrid head coach Diego Simeone has paid tribute to his countryman Diego Maradona who died today.
Simeone played with Maradona during their time at Sevilla together in the mid 1990s as well as with the Argentine national team.
“A legend has left us,” the Atletico boss said after Madrid’s 0-0 draw with Lokomotiv Moscow in the Champions League.
MORE PICTURES FROM SEVILLE
IN PICTURES: SEVILLA STADIUM LIT IN COLOURS OF ARGENTINE FLAG
This picture shows the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan stadium in Seville, Spain, lit in the colours of the Argentine flag.
Maradona played for Sevilla during the 1992-93 season.
IN PICTURES: TRAFFIC SIGN IN BUENOS AIRES PAYS TRIBUTE
SHILTON: ‘MARADONA HAD GREATNESS, BUT NO SPORTSMANSHIP’
Diego Maradona had greatness in him, but lacked sportsmanship, former England goalkeeper Peter Shilton claims.
The goalkeeper was between the sticks during England’s infamous 1986 World Cup quarter final against Argentina.
The clash saw Maradona infamously punch the ball past Shilton to score.
The ex-goalie, writing in the Mail, said: “What I don’t like is that he never apologised.
“Never at any stage did he say he had cheated and that he would like to say sorry. Instead, he used his ‘Hand of God’ line. That wasn’t right.
“It seems he had greatness in him but sadly no sportsmanship.”
AGUERO TRIBUTE
Manchester City forward Sergio Aguero tweeted: “We are never going to forget you. You will always be with us graciasdiego RIP.
WHEN MARADONA CAME TO LEICESTER
Although Diego Maradona didn’t don a Leicester City shirt, he made an impact on his visit to the East Midlands city in 2015.
He visited the King Power stadium to cheer on his beloved Argentina in the Rugby World Cup against Tonga, Leicestershire Live reports.
Thankfully, Argentina breezed to a 45-16 victory.
Current Foxes manager Brendan Rodgers paid tribute to the Argentine: “It’s a great shock. When the new comes through, you reflect on him and his career.
“I’ve always said he was an idol of mine growing up, what an immense talent he was. It’s just so sad because 60 years of age nowadays seems so young.
“It’s obviously a very sad day for everyone involved in football.”
‘I DON’T FEEL WELL’
Diego Maradona’s last words before he died were “I don’t feel well,” according to reports.
The ex-footballer went back to bed after having breakfast and telling nephew Johnny Esposito he didn’t feel well and was going to lie down again.
A nurse who was looking after Maradona following his release from hospital after his brain scan op phoned for an ambulance and several responded.
One described how he had awoken in the morning looking pale and complaining of feeling cold.
He went back to bed after a quick breakfast where he is said to have pronounced his last words: “Me siento mal’ – English for ‘I don’t feel well.”
MARADONA: THE RECORD BREAKER
Diego Maradona was unquestionably one of the most iconic footballers of all time.
He enjoyed a record-breaking sports career… quite literally.
His first Guinness world record came in 1978 while playing for the Argentinos Juniors as the youngest ever goal scorer in the top flight.
He broke the record for the most number of appearances at a FIFA World Cup as captain – 16 (between 1982 and 1994).
He shares the record for the most number of goals scored in a World Cup as captain with Tottenham striker Harry Kane (6).
GRIEVING SUPPORTERS IN NAPLES AND BUENOS AIRES
Tonight, two cities – Naples and Buenos Aires – are grieving along with the rest of the football community.
Maradona is considered a legend in Napoli folklore as he helped the club win the Serie A title twice between 1984 and 1991.
He also helped the club win domestic silverware and a European trophy.
The Argentine led his national team to victory in the 1986 World Cup which was held in Mexico.
FANS GATHER OUTSIDE NAPOLI’S STADIUM
Supporters have been gathering outside the San Paolo stadium in Napoli, Italy this evening following the news of Diego Maradona’s passing.
Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has tonight admitted that he could change the name of the stadium in honour of Maradona.
He said: “We can consider the idea of calling our stadium San Paolo-Diego Armanda Maradona.”
Maradona played for Napoli between 1984 and 1991, scoring 115 goals in 259 games.
He led them to two Serie A titles in 1987 and 1990, as well as the 1987 Italian Cup and 1989 UEFA Cup.
IN PICTURES: MORE FANS PAYING TRIBUTE IN BUENOS AIRES
AN ASTONISHING ADMISSION
Diego Maradona spelled out while he was still alive the message he wanted engraved on his tombstone.
The late football legend made the astonishing admission in a TV interview 15 years ago in which he quizzed himself.
The Argentine icon, being interviewed for the show he presented at the time called La Noche del 10, said that ‘getting old with his grandchildren would mean a peaceful death’ for him.
What message did Maradona want engraving on his tombstone?
Find out HERE.
A FINAL FAREWELL
This is believed to be the final picture taken of Diego Maradona before he passed away, aged 60.
Tributes have poured in from around the world following the death of the legendary Argentine footballer.
Maradona passed away after suffering a cardiac arrest just two weeks after undergoing brain surgery.
After being released from hospital, he was expected to continue treatment for alcohol dependency.
But the last known picture of Maradona shows the 60-year-old smiling in his hospital bed.
In the snap, the football icon is wearing a hospital gown and has a huge plaster on his head.
MAD SKILLS
Diego Maradona’s iconic pre-match ball-jugging routine will be replicated for years to come.
The incredible clip has been doing the rounds on social media following the Argentine legend’s death.
Maradona had a stellar career but it was what he did before gracing the field that sometimes proved to be most special.
And his warm-up before Napoli’s second-leg Uefa Cup semi-final against Bayern Munich in 1989 is the best of the bunch.
Take a look HERE.
A CELEBRATION OF HIS LIFE
Fans of renowned footballer Diego Maradona have congregated outside La Bombonera stadium in La Boca, Buenos Aires.
Maradona joined Boca in 1981 and scored twice in his debut for the club just days later.
He scored in his first SuperClasico match against bitter rivals River Plate, helping Boca to a 3-0 victory.
Boca won the league title in 1981 and Maradona departed for Barcelona in 1982.
IN PICTURES: MOURNERS GATHER TO PAY HOMAGE IN NAPLES
IN PICTURES: TRIBUTES FROM EL SALVADOR
BECKS PAYS TRIBUTE
David Beckham has posted a photo of himself with Diego Maradona on his Instagram page.
He said: “A sad day for Argentina and a sad day for football as we celebrate the greatness of what this man gave us…
“Someone that played with passion, spirit and was nothing less than a pure genius.
“I was so excited to meet Diego and we will all miss him. Rest in Peace.”
PLAYERS OBSERVE SILENCE AT THE WANDA METROPOLITANO AND THE SAN SIRO
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
