Barcelona star Lionel Messi has paid tribute to Diego Maradona after his passing.

Maradona died on Wednesday at 60 years of age after suffering a cardiac arrest.

Shortly after the new broke, the current Argentine captain sent a message on social media.

"This is a very sad day for all Argentines and for football," Messi wrote in a post on Instagram, in which he shared a photo of the two legendary No.10s together.

"He has left us, but he hasn't gone, because Diego is eternal.

"I remember all the nice moments we experienced together and I send my condolences to all his family and his friends. RIP."