Pele encourages Neymar
In the defeat to Croatia in the quarter-finals of the World Cup on the evening of December 9, Neymar opened the scoring for Brazil in the first minute of extra time. The 30-year-old striker thus reached the milestone of 77 goals for the team, equaling the record set by Pele in 1971.
Immediately after the match, Pele posted a message on Instagram: "I have seen you grow, cheering for you every day and finally I can congratulate you for equalizing my goals with the national team. Hai We all know it's not just a number. Our biggest mission as footballers is to inspire. Unfortunately, today is not the happiest day for us, but you will. is always an inspiration that many people aspire to."
According to Pele, as time goes on, his and Neymar's legacy will only grow. It will inspire players, the next generation and football fans.
The 82-year-old legend also thinks that Neymar's legacy is not over. The striker wearing the number 10 shirt can continue to play, score and play another World Cup for Brazil. "Continue to inspire. I will continue to punch the air with happiness with every goal you score, as I have done in every game I see you on the field," added Pele.
At the end of November, Pele was hospitalized for colon cancer treatment. According to initial rumors, he was in critical condition. However, through personal pages, the Brazilian legend denied it, and confirmed that he was admitted to the hospital to adjust the medicine.
During Pele's hospital stay, Brazil organized many activities to support him at the World Cup. The players wished Pele a speedy recovery and continued to support the team.
Pele played for Brazil from 1957 to 1971. He won the 1958, 1962 and 1970 World Cups, the only player to win three times. He also scored 12 goals through the World Cups, ranking fifth in the list of top scorers, behind Klose 16 goals, Ronaldo Nazario 15 goals, Gerd Muller 14 goals and Just Fontaine 13 goals.
Neymar has been with Brazil since August 2010. He spent 124 matches to score 77 goals, 32 more than Pele. In three World Cup appearances, the 30-year-old reached the semi-finals in 2014, the quarter-finals in 2018 and the quarter-finals this year.
With Neymar's opening goal in extra time, Brazil was close to the semi-finals. However, when the game entered the 117th minute, Bruno Petkovic leveled the score 1-1 for Croatia. In the penalty shootout, Croatia won 4-2.
