AWAY FROM RIVALRIES After the World Cup victory, Pele and Ronaldo sent heartfelt notes to Messi, writing, "I imagine my friend Diego's party in heaven."

After Argentina's World Cup victory over France, Brazilian icons Ronaldo and Pele put their animosity aside to honor Lionel Messi.
After congratulating Messi, they both nodded in honor of Diego Maradona, a national hero of Argentina.
In 1986, Maradona contributed to Argentina's final World Cup victory.
Following the victory over France in a shootout, Ronaldo, then 46, mentioned "Diego's party in paradise." Diego passed away in 2020 at the age of 60.

A photo of Messi hoisting the trophy that Ronaldo posted to Instagram was liked more than 2 million 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 also paid tribute to Messi and Maradona while watching the event from a hospital bed as he fights cancer.
The 82-year-old also praised Morocco for being the first African country to advance to the World Cup semi-finals and Kylian Mbappe, whose final hat-trick was in vain.

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."


As he raised football's top prize, Messi imitated Maradona's famous World Cup stance from 1986.
He then vowed not to retire from international football, hinting that he could even play at the next tournament.