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Soccer legend Diego Maradona has died at the age of 60, Argentina’s presidential office announced Wednesday. The office declared that there will be three days of national mourning after the death of the Argentine.
Maradona, considered one of the greatest footballers of all time, led Argentina to four World Cups, won one in 1986 and lost the final in 1990. He also coached the national team during the 2010 tournament.
Maradona died at home after suffering a heart attack, his lawyer said, according to Reuters. He recently battled health issues and underwent emergency surgery for a subdural hematoma several weeks ago.
Argentina’s President Alberto Fernández tweeted a photo showing him hugging the former superstar.
“You took us to the highest peak in the world,” he wrote. “You made us incredibly happy. You were the greatest of all. Thank you for existing, Diego. We will miss you forever.”
While wearing the Argentina jersey, Maradona designed one of the most iconic moments in the history of the sport. During the ’86 championship race in Mexico City, he scored a goal in a quarter-final match against England using his fist gently, out of the sight of the referees. Maradona memorably described the goal as “the hand of God.”
Maradona put Italian club Napoli on the map and won five titles with them, including two Serie A trophies. He also won three titles with Barcelona of Spain and one with Boca Juniors of Argentina.
His rise and fall in the sport was the subject of an HBO documentary that was released last year. He chronicled the hard parties, alleged drug abuse and alcoholism that ultimately derailed his glorious playing career.
The soccer world was stunned and heartbroken by the news of his death.
His compatriot Leonel Messi posted on Instagram that it was a “sad day” for his country. “He leaves us, but he does not leave, because Diego is eternal.”
Argentina’s governing soccer association expressed his condolences, saying that Maradona “will always be in our hearts”.
Portuguese and Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo wrote: “Today I say goodbye to a friend and the world says goodbye to an eternal genius. One of the best in history. A magician without equal. He leaves too soon, but leaves a Limitless legacy and a void that will never be filled. Rest in peace as well. You will never be forgotten. “
Brazilian soccer legend Pelé, who was named a 20th century FIFA player along with Maradona, mourned his death.
“What bad news,” he wrote on Twitter. “I lost a great friend and the world lost a legend. Much remains to be said, but for now, may God give strength to family members. One day, I hope we can play ball together in heaven.”
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