Neymar equalled Pele's record of goals for Brazil on Friday, but that didn't prove enough for the pre-tournament favourites to win the quarterfinal against Croatia, who ended up winners after a penalty shootout. Almost immediately after, Pele wrote a message of support for Neymar, while also congratulating him for matching his record of 77 goals for Brazil.
“I saw you grow, I cheered for you every day and I can finally congratulate you for reaching my number of goals with Brazil. We both know that this is more than a figure,” wrote the 82-year-old Pele in an Instagram post.
Pele is currently hospitalized for a respiratory infection amid his battle with colon cancer.
“Our biggest duty as athletes is to inspire. Inspire our teammates of today, the next generations and, above all, everyone who loves our sport. Unfortunately this is not the happiest day for us,” Pele added.
“My record was set almost 50 years ago, and nobody had managed to get near it until now. You got there, kid. That shows how great your achievement is.”
The 30-year-old Neymar opened the scoring in the first quarterfinal of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, but Croatia equalised as both teams ended regulation time and the extra time locked at 1-1. Croatia then won the penalty shootout 4-2.
“Keep inspiring us,” Pele continued in the message.
“I will keep punching the air with joy for every goal you score, as I did in every match I saw you on the pitch.”
Pele won three World Cups with Brazil.
(With agency inputs)
