Messi Pays Tribute To Diego Maradona With Old Newell’s Old Boys Number 10 Shirt: Messi revealed the shirt after scoring his side’s fourth against Osasuna.
Hailing from the same country and regarded as two of the finest names to have graced the game, comparisons have persistently been made between Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona. However, the two hardly indulged in those debates, rather sharing a string bonhomie as they celebrated each other’s glistening careers.
Given the strong comradery between the two, Messi was bound to have been moved back by the recent news of Maradona’s departure. Having previously serenaded the Argentinian behemoth on Twitter, Messi once again showed his adulation for Maradona with a special celebration reserved for the departed on Saturday.
Messi Celebrates With Maradona’s Old Newell’s Old Boys Shirts
Scoring Barcelona’s fourth goal against Osasuna in the 74th minute, Lionel Messi ran away in celebration by taking off his shirt to unveil the number 10 shirt Maradona used to don during his time at Newell’s Old Boys. Gesturing towards the sky, Messi blew a kiss upwards as he paid tribute to his countryman.
Both the players had previously stepped out for the local Argentina club with Lionel Messi starting his career at the side while Maradona had played five matches for the side before his retirement.
The two’s connect to the club further stretches back to Maradona’s debut at Newell’s Old Boys when a six year old Messi was asked to revel the spectators in his impeccable ball handling abilities.
The encounter between Barcelona and Osasuna had previously seen a minute’ since being held in respect of Maradona. Barcelona eventually ran riot on the day as they routed Osasuna 4-0 to break their winless spree.
Ancelotti Moved To Tears During Maradona Tribute
Earlier on Saturday, Everton’s manager, Carlo Ancelotti was reduced to tears during the minutes silence held to honour Maradona. The Italian was clearly taken aback by the recent developments with him unable to hold back his grief prior to his side’s contest against Leeds United.
Ancelotti and Maradona had spurred several times on the pitch during their careers as footballers before enjoying each other’s companies and becoming firm friends later into their lives.
