Published 08:39 IST, January 27th 2020
Basketball legend Kobe Bryant no more: Lionel Messi grieves the death of his close friend
Argentine professional footballer Lionel Messi expressed grief over the death of legendary American basketball player Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter
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Argentine professional footballer Lionel Messi expressed his grief over death of legendary American basketball player Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, in a helicopter crash on Monday. Bryant, 41, who spent 20 years with basketball team Lakers, was killed when helicopter he was traveling in crashed and burst into flames on Monday morning amid foggy conditions in hills above Calabasas, 48 km rth-west of Los Angeles.
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Heartfelt mess
Lionel Messi took to Instagram to share a photo of Kobe Bryant and wrote in Spanish, "I have words... All my love to Kobe's family and friends. It was a pleasure kwing you and share good times toger. You were a genius like few ors."
Bryant talked of Messi in one of his final interviews
Coincidently, Kobe Bryant aka 'Black Mamba', shared his thoughts about soccer legends Lionel Messi and Cristia Ronaldo in one of his final interviews before his untimely death. In an interview with a US TV news network, Bryant said that he thought Messi was one of best athletes of all time. " tenacity, intelligence with which he plays as well as skill puts him head and shoulder above rest.”
Bryant and Messi had developed a friendship several years ago, thanks to love y both share for soccer and passion for sports that run within. When Bryant retired in 2016, Barcelona captain even wished his friend “all best” on his official social media account as legend approaches life after basketball.
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Nine on-board, survivors
It was reported that or than Kobe Bryant and his daughter, helicopter was ferrying seven or people. crash ignited brushfires, making it hard for rescue crews to get close to site. Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva said that he would t confirm who had died until all next of kin have been tified. Bryant’s death stunned Los Angeles and sports world, which mourned one of basketball’s greatest players. Sources said that helicopter took off from Orange County, where Bryant lived.
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08:39 IST, January 27th 2020