Pele led the tributes to Lionel Messi and said Diego Maradona was smiling down on him after the Argentina star joined the World Cup immortals.
In the first World Cup since the passing of Maradona in 2020, Messi fulfilled his dream of emulating his idol by captaining Argentina to glory as they beat France on penalties.
Pele also praised Kylian Mbappe after the France star scored a hat-trick with an eclectic performance that showed he is also destined to become a World Cup legend.
“Today, football continues to tell its story, as always, in an exciting way,” Pele wrote on Instagram.
“Messi winning his first World Cup, as his career deserved. My dear friend Mbappe, scoring four goals in the final. What a gift it was to watch this show for the future of our sport and I could not fail to congratulate Morocco for the incredible campaign. It's great to see Africa shine.”
Pele, who has been watching the World Cup from hospital in Brazil as he is treated for a respiratory infection, added: “Congratulations to Argentina! Certainly, Diego is smiling now.”
England and West Ham midfielder Declan Rice said Messi was “the best ever” and Gary Lineker described him as “a gift from the footballing Gods”.
Lineker said: “It’s been an absolute privilege to watch Lionel Messi for nearly two decades. Moment after moment of spellbinding, breathtakingly joyous football. He’s a gift from the footballing Gods. So pleased that he’s lifted the ultimate prize in our sport.”
It’s been an absolute privilege to watch Lionel Messi for nearly 2 decades. Moment after moment of spellbinding, breathtakingly joyous football. He’s a gift from the footballing Gods. So pleased that he’s lifted the ultimate prize in our sport. Gracias y felicidades, campeón. pic.twitter.com/XTiZUcovLI
— Gary Lineker 💙💛 (@GaryLineker) December 18, 2022
England midfielder James Maddison said: “For those who know football know that tonight’s result didn’t determine whether Messi was the best player ever or not. But yet I’m so happy he did for the people who thought he needed it so now there’s no debate.”
Brazil legend Ronaldo also congratulated Messi, saying: “This guy's football throws any rivalry to the corner. I saw a lot of Brazilians - and people from all over the world - rooting for Messi in this electrifying final. A farewell worthy of the genius who, far beyond being a World Cup star, captained an era.”
