Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo pay tribute

Growing up in Italy, Kobe Bryant played soccer and was a massive fan of the sport — particularly AC Milan.

Soccer stars around the world paid tribute to Bryant on Sunday after the Lakers legend died, along with his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven other victims, in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, Calif.

Lionel Messi called Bryant a “genius like few others” in an Instagram post.

“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,” Messi continued.

Neymar, after scoring a goal for Paris St.-Germain on Sunday, held up two fingers on hand and four on the other to honor Bryant. Neyman then kneeled and pointed to the sky.

“So sad to hear the heartbreaking news of the deaths of Kobe and his daughter Gianna,” Cristiano Ronaldo wrote on Instagram. “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”

“Heart going out to the Bryant family right now. ❤️. RIP,” US women’s soccer star Megan Rapinoe tweeted.