Before Lionel Messi scored for Argentina in an important 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier in the early hours of Friday morning, he and his teammates attended the unveiling of a Diego Maradona statue. Here are some of the best pictures from the moment!
Click through the gallery above to see some images of the statue celebrating Maradona's life.
The Barcelona captain opened the scoring against Chile from the penalty spot in the 23rd minute, but his goal was not enough to hand Argentina all three points in their World Cup qualifier.
Former Arsenal and Manchester United winger Alexis Sanchez cancelled out the strike in the 36th minute, with the match ending 1-1.
While the result sees Argentina remain unbeaten in their CONMEBOL qualifying campaign, Chile have claimed only five points from five matches, and are currently seventh in the qualification group.
Lionel Scaloni's Albiceleste remain in second place in the standing, one point behind rivals Brazil, who have so far picked up four wins from four games.
It was, however, an emotional night for Argentina and those who represent the country as Maradona's statue outside the Estadio Unico Madres de Ciudades was officially unveiled.
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The 1986 FIFA World Cup winner sadly died at 60 years old on 25 November 2020 after suffering cardiac arrest.
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