Lionel Messi let the pictures do the talking after posting a touching tribute to Pele.
The Brazilian has died following a battle with cancer. He was re-admitted to hospital last month and given palliative care before his passing was announced on Thursday. Cristiano Ronaldo is among those to pay tribute to the three-time World Cup winner.
Messi was keen to offer his condolences to Pele's family after his death. Argentina's World Cup-winning captain posted two pictures of him and Pele at an awards ceremony, as well as photo from the legend's playing days, in tribute. He added: "Rest in peace, Pele."
Pele was surrounded by his loved ones as he passed away after they spent Christmas Day in hospital together. "Everything we are is thanks to you," wrote his daughter Kely Nascimento on Instagram. "We love you infinitely. Rest in peace."
Pele's official Twitter account also confirmed the sad news on Thursday. "Inspiration and love marked the journey of King Pele, who peacefully passed away today," read a post. "Love, love and love, forever."
Countless legends have paid their respects to Pele on social media, including Brazilian icon Ronaldo. He wrote on Instagram: "Unique. Cool. Technical. Creative. Perfect. One of a kind. Where Pele arrived, he stayed. Without ever leaving the top, he leaves us today.
Pay tribute to Pele in the comments below!
"The king of football - only one The greatest of all time The world of mourning. The sadness of parting mixed with the immense pride of the written history. What a privilege to come after you my friend. Your talent is a school every player should go through.
"Your legacy will transcend generations. And that's how it will stay alive. Today and always, we celebrate you. Thank you, Pele. Rest in peace."
Cristiano Ronaldo, meanwhile, wrote: "My deep condolences to all of Brazil, and in particular to the family of Edson Arantes do Nascimento. A mere 'goodbye' to the eternal King Pele will never be enough to express the pain that the entire football world is currently embracing. An inspiration to so many millions, a reference yesterday, today and forever.
"The love you always showed me was reciprocated in every moment we shared even from distance. He will never be forgotten and his memory will live forever in each and every one of us football lovers. Rest in peace King Pele."
Neymar has also mourned the passing of Pele. He wrote: "Before Pele, 10 was just a number. I’ve read this phrase somewhere, at some point in my life. But this sentence, beautiful, is incomplete. I would say before Pele football was just a sport. Pele has changed it all.
"He turned football into art, into entertainment He gave voice to the poor, to the blacks and especially: He gave visibility to Brazil. Soccer and Brazil have raised their status thanks to the King! He's gone but his magic remains. Pele is FOREVER!!"
