Superstars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have paid their respects to Argentina legend Diego Maradona after his untimely passing on Wednesday.

Click through the gallery above to see some highlights from Maradona's career.

The 1986 FIFA World Cup winner only recently turned 60, and was in hospital for a brain surgery last week.

However, his recovery was understood to have gone well before he passed away on Wednesday after suffering a cardiac arrest, according to various reports.

Maradona is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers to have ever graced the game, with Messi and Ronaldo often being named in the same bracket.

Both superstars took to Instagram to pay tribute to the Argentina legend, with Messi insisting his former coach is "eternal".

"A very sad day for all Argentines and for football," he wrote on Instagram.

"He leaves us but does not leave, because Diego is eternal.

"I keep all the beautiful moments lived with him and I wanted to take the opportunity to send my condolences to all his family and friends. RIP"

Read: Maradona Makes Bold Messi & Ronaldo Claim

Ronaldo also paid his respects, calling the 60-year-old "an unparalleled magician".

"Today I say goodbye to a friend and the world says goodbye to an eternal genius. One of the best ever. An unparalleled magician," the Portuguese wrote on social media. 

"He leaves too soon, but leaves a legacy without limits and a void that will never be filled. Rest in peace, ace. You will never be forgotten."

We, at Soccer Laduma, wish to send our condolences to friends and family of Diego Maradona at this difficult time.