Pele turned to Neymar: “No one has been able to get closer to the record of 50 years, and you have achieved it”

Three-time world champion Pelé addressed Brazil striker Neymar and other players of the team with words of support after losing in the 2022 World Cup quarter-final match in Qatar.

On Friday, the Croatian national team defeated the Brazilian team in the quarterfinal match and advanced to the semifinals of the tournament. Regular time ended with the score 0:0, in extra time the teams exchanged goals. In the penalty shootout, the Croatian players were more accurate – 4:2. Neymar scored at the end of the first extra half. Now on account of the 30-year-old Brazilian 77 goals for the national team, the same figure for Pele.

– I watched you grow up, supported you every day, and finally, I can congratulate you on the fact that you caught up with me in terms of the number of goals in the Brazilian national team. We both know it’s more than just a number. Our main responsibility is to inspire. To inspire colleagues, next generations and everyone who loves our sport.

Unfortunately, this day is not the happiest for us, but you will always be a source of inspiration that many aspire to. I realized that the more time passes, the more our legacy grows. My record was set almost 50 years ago, and so far no one has been able to get close to it. You made it, boy. It speaks to the greatness of your achievement, Neymar.

But you, like me, know that nothing beats the joy of representing our country. I am 82 years old, and I hope that after such a long break, I have inspired you in some way to go this far. Moreover, I hope that your achievements will inspire millions of people who will follow you and challenge what seems impossible,” Pele wrote on the social network.

The Match TV channel is the exclusive copyright holder of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Russia. As part of an agreement with FIFA, Match TV received the opportunity to broadcast live, use fragments of games on television, broadcast and use highlights on digital platforms, as well as sell advertising inventory in broadcasts. Watch all 64 matches of the tournament on the platforms of Match TV channels.