Pele believes Messi “deserves” to win the World Cup

After Argentina overcame France on penalties in the World Cup final on Sunday, Brazilian icon Pele declared Lionel Messi “deserved” to win.

“Today, football still tells its tale in a captivating way, just as it always has.” Pele, a three-time World Cup champion, commented on Instagram: “Messi won his first World Cup, as his trajectory merited.”

READ ALSO: Although Pele’s health has improved, he is still hospitalized

Pele also praised Kylian Mbappe of France for his hat-trick of goals in the championship game, which ended 3-3 after extra time, and for his calm conversion of a penalty in the shootout.

“My close friend Mbappe scored four goals in the championship.” What a privilege it was to see this show for our sport’s future.