Lionel Messi, Neymar Jr and other footballers react as Liverpool star Diogo Jota dies in fatal car crash

Lionel Messi, Neymar Jr, Marcelo, Kylian Mbappe, and more footballers have taken to social media to pay their tribute to Diogo Jota after the Liverpool star's death. The Portuguese star was involved in a car accident in the early hours of Thursday, July 3, and was killed along with his brother, Andre Silva.

Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland, and Marcelo posted a rest in peace message, while Karim Benzema sent condolences to the family.

Neymar shared a post on his Instagram story and captioned it:

"My condolences to all family and close friends. Rest in peace DIOGO and ANDRE!"

Meanwhile, Mbappe sent a message to Jota's family and wrote:

"Deepest condolences, support, and thoughts are with those involved, their families and loved ones. Rest in peace Diogo & Andre"

João Cancelo also penned a beautiful tribute and wrote:

“Today, we didn’t just wake up without two football players. Today, three children woke up without their father. Today, a mother and a father woke up without their two sons. Today, a wife (they were recently married) woke up without her husband by her side. Today, we all woke up in shock. Today, the world is mourning in one of those rare moments when we can pause, show genuine feelings, and put things into perspective to appreciate what we have, and what is not guaranteed: tomorrow.”

Diogo Jota was on his way to the ferry to travel to the United Kingdom. The Liverpool star was advised not to travel by air as he had undergone minor surgery. He was due to join Arne Slot's squad ahead of pre-season training, which starts on Monday, July 7.

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Liverpool teammates share a message as Diogo Jota passes away

Liverpool players were left stunned on Thursday when they found out about their teammate Diogo Jota's death.

Alexis Mac Allister was among those who posted a message for his teammate, as he wrote:

"I can't believe it. I will always remember your smiles, your anger, your intelligence, your companionship and everything that made you a person. It hurts a lot, we will miss you. Rest in peace dear Diogo."

Darwin Nunez also posted on Instagram and wrote a beautiful message to the family of Jota. He wrote:

"There are no words of comfort for so much pain. I will always remember you with your smile, as a good companion on and off the field. I send all my strength to his family, from where he is, I'm sure he will always be with you, especially his wife and three children. May he rest in peace. Diogo and Andre."

Diogo Jota played 182 matches for Liverpool, scoring 65 goals and assisting 26 times. He got married to his long-time partner, Rute, on June 22.