Lionel Messi has taken to Instagram to react to Diego Maradona's passing.

Weeks after a undergoing an operation to remove a blood clot from his brain, Maradona has died aged 60 as a result of a cardiac arrest.

A number of the game's greats have been paying tribute to 'El Diego', with six-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi having some wonderful words to the pint-sized Argentine magician that paved the way for him.

Messi, who played under Maradona when he was in charge of the La Albiceleste national team, said it was "a very sad day for all Argentines and for football."

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Leo Messi (@leomessi)

Accompanied by two pictures of the Argentines in company, 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."