Having won three World Cup trophies for Brazil, football legend Pele has congratulated Argentina captain Lionel Messi on winning his first World Cup title. The former Brazilian star, who was hospitalized earlier this month for health reasons, praised France’s Kylan Mbappe for scores four goals (including one in a penalty shootout) in the final, and said Mbappe is the future of the game.
“Football continues to tell its story in a compelling manner today, as it has always done. The trajectory of Messi’s career deserved him to win his first World Cup. During a final, my dear friend, Mbappe, scored four goals. “What an honor it was to witness this spectacle for the future of our sport,” Pele wrote on his Instagram account.
Earlier this month, the 82-year-old Brazilian legend, who held the record for most goals scored by a player under 24 at the World Cup, congratulated Mbappe, who scored a brace in France’s 3-1 win over Poland. Additionally, Mbappe became only the second player in the history of the World Cup to score a hat-trick in the final. “Thank you @KMbappe. I am pleased to see you break another of my records in this tournament, my friend!” Pele had replied to Mbappe on Twitter post his record.
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The Brazilian legend, who is recovering in a Sao Paulo hospital, also congratulated Morocco on reaching the semifinals. The Argentine legend also shared how Diego Maradona would be smiling down from heaven at the end of his Instagram message. The campaign undertaken by Morocco has been remarkable, and I cannot fail to congratulate them. It is wonderful to see Africa shine, congratulations Argentina! Pele wrote, “Didi is certainly smiling now.”
