World Cup Champion, Lionel Messi, has joined other sporting icons to mourn Brazilian legend, Edson Arantes do Nascimento, popularly known as Pele.
PUNCH METRO reported that Pele died on Thursday evening at the age of 82 years after battling colon cancer.
Reacting to the news, Messi, took to his Instagram page to write, “Descansa en paz, Pelé”, which is translated as, “Rest in Peace Pele”.
It would also be recalled that his counterpart, Cristiano Ronaldo, has also paid his tribute to the departed football icon.
In his tribute, Ronaldo described Pele as an inspiration to many in the World.
Also, Neymar in a post on Instagram said: “Before Pele, ’10’ was only a number. I read this phrase somewhere, sometime in my life.
“But this phrase, beautiful, is incomplete.
“I would say that before Pele, football was solely a sport.
“Pele changed everything.
“He transformed football into art, into entertainment.
“He gave voice to the poor, to black people, and most importantly: He gave visibility to Brazil.
“Football and Brazil elevated their status thanks to the King!
“He is gone, but his magic will stay.
“Pele is eternal!!”
