Chapecoense team tragedy elicits reaction from soccer's biggest stars

SPORTS

'It's impossible to believe': Neymar mourns fatal crash

The Associated Press Published Tuesday, November 29, 2016 11:58AM EST Last Updated Tuesday, November 29, 2016 1:05PM EST

Chapecoense's Ruschel celebrates with teammates

Chapecoense's Alan Ruschel celebrates with teammates in Chapeco, Brazil, on Oct. 10, 2016. (Marcio Cunha / Mafalda Press via AP)

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From Lionel Messi to Neymar, from Diego Maradona to Rafael Nadal, the world of sports expressed its sorrow following the crash of the plane carrying the Brazilian soccer team Chapecoense. The short-haul charter crashed in Medellin on its way to Colombia for the Copa Sudamericana final.

At least 75 of the 81 people on board died, authorities said.

All Brazilian first division teams changed their official Twitter profile pictures to a black logo of Chapecoense. Teams such as Barcelona, Real Madrid and Manchester United also sent condolences.

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"It's impossible to believe this tragedy, impossible to believe what happened, impossible to believe that the plane crashed, impossible to believe that athletes, human beings were on this plane, impossible to believe that these people left their families. ... Today the world cries, but heaven rejoices in receiving Champions." -- Barcelona and Brazil star .

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"My deepest condolences go to all of the families, friends and supporters of the Associac-Chapecoense de Futebol squad. #FuerzaChape." -- Barcelona and Argentina star Lionel Messi on Facebook.

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"Brazilian football is in mourning. It is such a tragic loss. My sincere condolences to the families of the deceased. Rest in peace." -- .

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"My condolences to the families of the Brazilian Chapecoense team, and of all the people who died in this tragic plane crash in Colombia. Unfortunately, these kids, who were making their way in soccer, took the wrong plane. From this day on, I'm a fan of Chapecoense." -- Argentina soccer legend .

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"This is a very, very sad day for football. We are so sorry to hear about the airplane crash in Colombia, it is shocking and tragic news. At this difficult time our thoughts are with the victims, their families and friends. FIFA would like to extend its most heartfelt condolences." -- .

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"Real Madrid C.F. expresses its sorrow at the tragic air crash involving the Brazilian club Chapecoense and extends its condolences to relatives and friends of the victims. At the same time, wishing an early recovery for the survivors." -- .

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"The thoughts of everyone at Manchester United are with 螕åòChapecoenseReal & all those affected by the tragedy in Colombia. .ForcaChapecoense." -- Premier League team

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"My deepest condolences to the relatives and friends of the Brazilian team and everyone affected by this terrible tragedy. .Chapecoense." -- Manchester United midfielder .

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"My condolences to @ChapecoenseReal and the families of all the victims of the plane crash." -- Spanish tennis great .

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"A very sad day for sports! Strength for all those families .sadness 螕åòchapecoensereal." -- Brazilian Formula One driver .

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"Heart goes out to the families of the Chapecoense soccer team." -- rapper