Pele congratulates Messi and claims ‘Maradona is smiling’ after Argentina’s World Cup win

Brazilian icon Pele has congratulated Lionel Messi and Argentina on their dramatic penalty shoot-out win over France in Sunday’s World Cup final.

Argentina looked on course for victory after goals from Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria, but France struck back late when Kylian Mbappe scored twice in as many minutes to force extra time.

The South American team took the lead again through Messi but Mbappe converted a penalty to bring the game to penalties. Argentina prevailed on penalties and presented Messi with the trophy he had been craving throughout his career.

Lionel Messi eventually won the World Cup when Argentina defeated France on penalties in the final

Pele has congratulated Messi and Argentina after their dramatic victory in Qatar

Pele has been watching the World Cup from the hospital while he’s being treated for a respiratory infection, but he was able to deliver a heartfelt message to Messi while also praising Mbappe, who scored a hat-trick during the game and then found the net with his penalties in the shootout.

“Today, as always, football tells its story in an exciting way. Messi has won his first World Cup as his trajectory deserved,” Pele wrote on Instagram.

“My dear friend Mbappé, who scores four goals in a final. What a gift to see this spectacle about the future of our sport.”

In addition to Messi’s first world title, Morocco also became the first African nation to reach the semi-finals of football’s biggest event at this year’s tournament in Qatar.

Pele also praised Kylian Mbappe after scoring a hat-trick but still ending up on the losing side

Pele famously predicted that an African team would win the World Cup before the year 2000 at the end of his playing days.

Although not the case, he acknowledged that Morocco’s progression to the round of 16 in Qatar was a big step forward for African football.

The 82-year-old then gave Argentina the last word, admitting national hero Diego Maradona would smile down on the side after they ended their 36-year wait for their third World Cup.

“I can’t help but congratulate Morocco on this incredible campaign. It’s great to see Africa shine,” added Pele.

“Congratulations Argentina! Surely Diego is smiling now.”