Lionel Messi is the latest football star to react to the news of Liverpool's Diogo Jota's shock passing. It was revealed on Thursday that the former Wolves and Porto striker had passed away in the early hours of the morning after being involved in a road traffic accident with his brother, Andre, in north-western Spain, aged 28.
The footballing world has been reeling since the announcement, with several clubs and former teammates of Jota, including Cristiano Ronaldo, sharing their condolences via social media. And now, one of the greatest to ever play the game has also paid tribute to the Premier League winner.
Darwin Nunez and Digo Jota Related
Liverpool Players React to Diogo Jota's Death
Liverpool players, including Stefan Bajcetic and Darwin Nunez, have reacted to their teammate's death on social media.
Messi Reacts to Jota's Death
The Argentine posted an image on social media
Taking to his Instagram stories, Messi posted a black and white picture of Jota with the acronym 'QEPD' above - which is short for the Spanish phrase 'que en paz descanse.' This translates in English to 'may he rest in peace.'
While Messi and Jota never had the opportunity to face off against each other during their respective careers, that didn't stop the Inter Miami star from sharing his condolences and no doubt feeling the emotions that football fans all over the world have been hit with in the aftermath of the striker's sudden death.
Messi is not the only Argentine to react to the news, with fellow World Cup winner and former teammate of Jota Alexis Mac Allister penning an emotional goodbye on social media.
"I can't believe it," Mac Allister wrote. "I'll always remember your smiles, your anger, your intelligence, your camaraderie, and everything that made you a person. It hurts so much; we'll miss you. Rest in peace, dear Diogo."
Other Liverpool stars have also posted their condolences, including Harvey Elliott, Darwin Nunes and former manager Jurgen Klopp, who bought Jota to Anfield.
Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher React to Liverpool Forward Diogo Jota’s Tragic Death Related
Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher React to Liverpool Forward Diogo Jota’s Tragic Death
Liverpool legends Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher post on social media after Diogo Jota died alongside his brother in a car accident.