A legend applauds a legend. Brazilian Pelé congratulated Argentinian Lionel Messi on Saturday on social networks for surpassing his record for top scorer in a South American selection on September 9.
With 79 goals scored, the PSG player became South America’s top scorer, thanks to a hat-trick in the 2022 World Cup qualifier in Qatar against Bolivia. Pelé’s record was 77 goals.
Pelé expects more goals
Next to a photo of the Argentine star posted on Instagram, Pelé apologized for his delay in recognizing the success of Messi, achieved after he had just undergone surgery, on September 5, for a suspicious tumor in the colon. “I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to congratulate you on setting a new record earlier this month. Your talent is incredible, ”he added. Pelé also wished Messi to “score even more” alongside Kylian Mbappé and Neymar, at Paris Saint-Germain.
The 80-year-old Brazilian “king” is still recovering in a Sao Paulo hospital. According to one of his daughters, Kely Nascimiento who spoke on his Instagram account on Friday, Pelé “took a few steps”.