Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have paid their tributes to Kobe Bryant after the NBA legend died on Sunday.
The former LA Lakers star and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna were two of the nine people who died on board a helicopter when it crashed outside the city of Calabasas, which is situated to the west of Los Angeles, at around 10am on Sunday morning.
Tributes have poured in for Bryant from NBA legends including Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal and Dwyane Wade.
Tiger Woods, who is a LA Lakers fan and a friend of Bryant, also held back the tears during his emotional interview after the Farmers Insurance Open ended.
Following the news of Bryant’s death, Messi posted on Instagram: ‘I have no words… all my love for Kobe’s family and friends.
‘It was a pleasure to meet you and share good times together.
‘You were a genius like few others.’
Ronaldo also posted his tribute following the news: ‘So sad to hear the heartbreaking news of the deaths of Kobe and his daughter Gianna.
‘Kobe was a true legend and inspiration to so many.
‘Sending my condolences to his family and friends and the families of all who lost their lives in the crash. RIP Legend.’
