Pele in an Instagram post said Messi, deserved to win a World Cup trophy, he also congratulated Mbappe for scoring a hattrick in the finals
By Kehinde Okeowo
Brazil football legend, Pele has eulogised Argentina captain, Lionel Messi, saying he “deserved” to win the 2022 World Cup after the South American nation lifted the global football trophy.
Argentina saw off France 4-2 in a penalty shootout during Sunday’s final.
They dominated most of the game and expectedly went 2-0 up after Messi converted from the penalty spot and Angel Di Maria doubled the South Americans’ advantage.
However, PSG striker, Kylian Mbappe netted a stunning brace and took the match to extra time.
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Messi and Mbappe scored again within 30 minutes of the extra time to take the scintillating encounter to penalties.
Emiliano Martinez then became the hero on the night, after saving penalties from Kingsley Coman and Aurelien Tchouameni to help Argentina win their third World Cup title after 36years.
Reacting to the victory, Pele, who had won the trophy three times during his career, took to his Instagram and wrote: “Today, football continues to tell its story, as always, in an enthralling way. Messi winning his first World Cup, as his trajectory deserved,”
The 82-year-old Pele also praised France forward, Kylian Mbappe, who scored a hat-trick during the match 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,” Pele added.
