They also staged reconstitutions of some of Maradona's most famous goals.
Maradona died while recuperating in Buenos Aires from brain surgery last November for a subdural hematoma.
"Many people realized they loved Diego only after the 25th of November," said Veron.
"But they can get on the train too. There's room for everyone."
Veron recalled the day he met the superstar and told him about the "church" founded in his honour.
"He hugged me and said thank you," Veron said, his voice shaking with emotion.
"Diego IS football," he added, "he is our best ambassador in the world, a voice for those who have none."
The celebration in Rosario was one of several being held across Argentina on Saturday in Maradona's memory.
Football matches were organized in his honour, with a special homage being paid at the 10th minute of each professional match.
The main event is to be an afternoon match at the Buenos Aires stadium now bearing his name, home to the Argentinos Juniors, Maradona's first club.
Some of the stars from Argentina's World Cup-winning championship teams of 1978 and 1986 -- Maradona played on the latter -- are slated to attend.
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