It is no secret that Brazil and Argentina share a heated rivalry in the world of soccer. So it came as a surprise when, days before his death, Brazilian soccer legend Pele chose arch-rivals Argentina and Lionel Messi to win the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Pele’s eldest child, Kely Nascimento, made the revelation in a recent Instagram post. In the post, Nascimento recounted how her father had fully supported Lionel Messi and the Argentina national team throughout the World Cup tournament.

She talked about the time when Brazil got knocked out by Croatia in the Quarter Finals. She said, “After Brazil’s defeat, everyone who entered that hospital room (all day and every day until the end!!!) used to say, ‘What’s up Pele? Now who you what? Of course NOT Argentina !! ‘”

Pele supported Lionel Messi and Argentina

Pele surprisingly gave a response no one expected. Nascimento shared, “And he spoke ‘Argentina yes! This cup must stay in South America and Messi deserves it.'” She shared that the reaction from everyone was just disbelief saying, “Everyone pretended (and sometimes not) horror!! HOW?! Argentina!?”

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For Pele, there was no doubt in his support. “And he just said ‘yes, Messi deserves it,'” Nascimento shared. And Messi didn’t disappoint. He led Argentina to victory in the final, defeating France in a closely-fought match. Pele watched every game from his hospital bed but sadly wasn’t able to watch the final due to his condition worsening.

“He was no longer able to watch television in the final, but he understood that Argentina won and Messi managed to lift the cup, and he was happy,” Kely Nascimento concluded. Sadly, Pele passed away just 11 days after Argentina’s World Cup victory.

The Brazil legend is widely regarded as one of the greatest soccer players of all time. And his support for Argentina will no doubt be a shock to many Brazil fans. But this is just a great example of a legend acknowledging another legend in a good faith.

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What are your thoughts on this surprising support for Lionel Messi from Pele? Let us know in the comments.