BRAZILIAN icons Ronaldo and Pele put rivalries aside to pay tribute to Lionel Messi after Argentina’s World Cup triumph over France.
The pair congratulated Messi, before both giving a nod to Argentinian legend Diego Maradona .
Maradona helped Argentina to their last World Cup win in 1986.
He passed away in 2020 aged 60, and Ronaldo, 46, spoke of “Diego’s party in heaven”; following the shootout win against France .
Ronaldo posted a picture of Messi lifting the trophy to Instagram , which was liked more than 2million times overnight.
He wrote: “This guy’s football dispels any rivalry - even the history between Brazil and Argentina.
“I saw a lot of Brazilians - and people from all over the world - cheering for @leomessi in this electrifying final.
“A farewell worthy of the genius who, far beyond being a World Cup champion, led an era.
“I imagine my friend Diego’s party in heaven. Here, we are millions of all nationalities standing ovation for you. Congratulations, Messi!”;
Pele, who has been watching the tournament in hospital as he battles cancer, also paid tribute to Messi and Maradona.
While the 82-year-old gave a special mention to Kylian Mbappe , who’s final hat-trick was in vein, and Morocco for being the first African nation to reach the World Cup semi-finals.
Pele wrote on Instagram: “Today, football continues to tell its story, as always, in an enthralling way. Messi winning his first World Cup, as his trajectory deserved.
“My dear friend, 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.”;
Messi replicated Maradona’s iconic World Cup pose from 1986 as he lifted football’s greatest prize.
He then vowed not to retire from international football , hinting that he could even play at the next tournament.
