Xtra Time Web Desk: Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Neymar Jr and Cristiano Ronaldo led tributes as football fraternity mourns the death of football legend Pele. The legendary footballer breathed his last on Friday night after succumbing to cancer at the Albert Einstein Hospital in Sao Paolo. Brazilian Government has declared 3-day mourning & illuminated ‘Christ the Redeemer’ in green.
Leading the tribute was seven time Ballon D’Or Lionel Messi who paid a heart-touching tribute to Pele following his demise.
Portugese star Cristiano Ronaldo too paid a heartfelt tribute to the legendary footballer. In a post on social media handle Instagram, Ronaldo wrote, “My deep condolences to all of Brazil, and in particular to the family of Edson Arantes do Nascimento. A mere “goodbye” to the eternal King Pelé will never be enough to express the pain that the entire football world is currently embracing. An inspiration to so many millions, a reference yesterday, today and forever. The love you always showed me was reciprocated in every moment we shared even from distance. He will never be forgotten and his memory will live forever in each and every one of us football lovers. Rest in peace,”
Brazilian Neymar Jr also posted a touching tribute for O’Rei.
“Before Pelé, 10 was just a number. I’ve read this phrase somewhere, at some point in my life. But this sentence, beautiful, is incomplete. I would say before Pelé football was just a sport. Pelé has changed it all. He turned football into art, into entertainment. Gave voice to the poor, blacks and mostly: Gave visibility to Brazil. Soccer and Brazil have raised their status thanks to the King! He’s gone but his magic remains. Pelé is FOREVER!!” Neymar said.
French World Cup winner Kylian Mbappe said his legacy will never be forgotten. “The king of football has left us but his legacy will never be forgotten. RIP King,” Mbappe said.
Pele, who was undergoing treatment for cancer at the Albert Einstein Hospital, died at 3:27 p.m. due to multiple organ failures resulting from the progression of colon cancer associated with his previous medical condition.”