Pele defends Neymar .. and congratulates him

Pele, the Brazilian soccer legend, congratulated Neymar on equaling his record with the Brazilian national team, in terms of international goals, and urged him to “continue to inspire us” amid doubts regarding his international future.

Neymar scored his international goal No. 77 with the Brazilian national team in the first extra half of the quarter-final match once morest the Croatian national team, which was held on Friday.

But Bruno Petkovic equalized in the 117th minute, and the Croatian national team managed to beat the Brazilian national team 4-2 on penalties to qualify for the semi-finals, where it will face the Argentine national team on Tuesday.

Neymar, the star of Paris Saint-Germain, indicated following the match that he may have played his last match for the Brazilian national team, although he will refrain from making the decision officially.

And while it was a bittersweet occasion for Neymar (30 years old), Pele, who is in hospital for treatment from a respiratory infection, went to social media to praise his compatriot.

Pele wrote on “Instagram”: I saw you grow, I encouraged you every day and in the end I can congratulate you for equaling my number of goals with the Brazilian national team.

He added: We all know that this is more than just a number. Our great mission as athletes is to inspire.

He continued: To inspire our professional colleagues, future generations, and above all to inspire everyone who loves our sport.

He emphasized: Unfortunately, today is not our happiest day, but you will always be the source of inspiration that many aspire to.

And he added: I learned that the more time passes, the more our legacy increases. I almost achieved my number 50 years ago, and no one has even come close to it yet.

And he confirmed: I got it, boy. This enhances the greatness of your achievement. But, you know, I know there is no greater number than the joy of representing his country.

He continued: I am 82 years old, and following all this age, I hope that I have inspired you in some way to reach what I have reached. More than that, I hope your achievement spreads to the millions of people who follow you to challenge the seemingly impossible.

He continued, “Your legacy is not over yet.” Keep inspiring us. I will continue to hit the air with joy with every goal you score, as I did in every game I watched you.