Diego is smiling now: Pele
Brazilian legend Pele said Lionel Messi "deserved" to be a World Cup winner after Argentina defeated France in a penalty shootout in Sunday's final.
"Today, football continues to tell its story, as always, in an enthralling way. Messi winning his first World Cup, as his trajectory deserved," Pele, a three-time World Cup champion, wrote on Instagram.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Pele also hailed French striker Kylian Mbappe who scored a hat-trick in the final which had ended 3-3 after extra-time before coolly slotting in a penalty in the shootout.
"My dear friend, Mbappe, scoring four goals in a final. What a gift it was to watch this spectacle to the future of our sport."
The Brazilian legend went on to congratulate Morocco for becoming the first African nation to reach the semi-final and ended his message with reference to the late Argentine legend Diego Maradona.
"And I couldn't fail to congratulate Morocco for the incredible campaign. It's great to see Africa shine. Congratulations Argentina! Certainly Diego is smiling now."
Comments