Brazil icon Pele has congratulated Argentina for winning the 2022 World Cup, insisting they will have made the late Diego Maradona proud.
La Albiceleste won the trophy for the first time since Maradona inspired them to glory in 1986, with Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria commanding the praise this time around as Argentina saw off France in an instant classic.
With football’s biggest prize now back in South America, Pele took to Instagram to send his congratulations to Argentina.
“Today, football continues to tell its story, as always, in an enthralling way,” he wrote. “Messi winning his first World Cup, as his trajectory deserved. My dear friend, [Kylian] Mbappe, scoring four goals in a final. What a gift it was to watch this spectacle to the future of our sport.
“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.”
Maradona’s Instagram account, which is managed by his heirs following his passing in November 2020, also posted a message to the late Argentine.
“ARGENTINA WORLD CHAMPIONS!!!” the post read. “I imagine your pride, old man…
“Thank you for a new joy.”