RARE footage of Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi playing together for Argentina has re-emerged after the legend’s death.
The pair teamed up on the same Argentine all-stars side in an exhibition match in 2005.
Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi did share the pitch for Argentina in 2005Credit: AFP – Getty
The pair lined up in the same Argentina all-stars team for a charity match
Diego Simeone, Juan Roman Riquelme, Juan Sebastian Veron and Sergio Aguero also represented their country that night.
But it was Maradona and Messi – two of the greatest footballers of all time – who shone brightest.
And that was despite neither of them being in their prime with Maradona already 45 and a fresh-faced Messi just 18.
They caused havoc for the opposition with highlights showing plenty of neat through balls and sumptuous flicks.
And even though a few passes went astray, their outrageous combined talent was clear to see.
The Argentina heroes reunited for another charity match around the same time and later on the international stage between 2008 and 2010 when Maradona took over as the national team head coach.
There have been many comparisons between the two over the years but Messi insists he is not on the same level as his idol – and never will be.
He once said: “Even if I played for a million years, I’d never come close to Maradona.
The pair linked up with some lovely football to get through the opposition
Maradona may have been 45 put still proved his class with his control and technical ability
“Not that I’d want to anyway. He’s the greatest there’s ever been.”
After the news of his tragic passing at the age of 60 on Wednesday, the Barcelona captain took to social media to pay tribute to a truly iconic figure.
He shared two snaps of himself alongside his fellow Barcelona No10 with his 169million followers.
The caption read: “A very sad day for all Argentines and football. He leaves us but does not leave, because Diego is eternal.
“I take all the moments lived with him and wanted to send condolences to all his family and friends. RIP.”
Maradona’s body was laid to rest in Buenos Aires on Thursday, the same day his former club Napoli paid their respects by placing flowers outside their stadium and coming out for their Europa League match wearing ‘Maradona 10’ shirts.
⚠️ Read our Diego Maradona death live blog for the latest news & updates
Maradona guided Argentina to World Cup glory in 1986
A fresh-faced Messi was still only 18 at the time but already had burst on to the scene with Barcelona
The likes of Diego Simeone, Juan Roman Riquelme and Sergio Aguero also played for Argentina that night
The two are only Argentina’s greatest players but arguably the world’s best everCredit: AFP – Getty
Messi looked up to Maradona as his idol and said he would never reach his levelCredit: Rex Features
The duo were reunited between 2008 and 2010 when Maradona took charge of the Argentina national teamCredit: Reuters
Emotional Gary Lineker pays tribute to Diego Maradona
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
