by Brazil icon Pele hails Lionel Messi and insists he now has the World Cup his career ‘deserves’… as he claims ‘Maradona is smiling’ after Argentina’s dramatic victory against France
Brazil icon Pele has congratulated Lionel Messi and Argentina after their dramatic penalty shootout victory over France in Sunday’s World Cup final.
Argentina looked set to win after goals from Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria put them two on the break, but France fought back late as Kylian Mbappe scored twice in as many minutes to force the extensions.
The South American side again took the lead through Messi, but Mbappe scored a penalty to lead the game on penalties. Argentina came out on top in the shootout, handing Messi the trophy he’s dreamed of throughout his career.
Lionel Messi finally won the World Cup as Argentina beat France on penalties in the final
Pelé congratulated Messi and Argentina after their spectacular victory in Qatar
Pele watched the World Cup from hospital while being treated for a respiratory infection, but was able to send a heartfelt message to Messi, while congratulating Mbappe who scored a hat-trick during the game and then found the net with his penalty shootout.
“Today, football continues to tell its story, as always, in an exciting way. Messi winning his first World Cup, as his trajectory deserved,’ Pele wrote on Instagram.
“My dear friend Mbappé, scoring four goals in the final. What a gift it was to watch this show for the future of our sport.
Besides Messi winning his first World Cup, this year’s tournament in Qatar also saw Morocco become the first African nation to qualify for the semi-finals of football’s biggest international event.
Pele also praised Kylian Mbappe after scoring a hat-trick but still found himself on the losing side
Pele predicted that an African team would win the World Cup before the year 2000 at the end of his playing days.
Although that didn’t happen, he acknowledged that Morocco’s run to the last four in Qatar was a big step forward for African football.
The 82-year-old then left Argentina the last laugh and admitted national hero Diego Maradona would smile on the team after ending their 36-year wait for their third World Cup.
“I could not fail to congratulate Morocco for this incredible campaign. It’s great to see Africa shine,” added Pelé.
“Congratulations to Argentina! Sure, Diego is smiling now.
