“I’m imagining my friend Diego’s party in heaven” – Pele and Ronaldo post emotional messages to Messi after World Cup win

BRAZILIAN icons Ronaldo and Pelé put their rivalries aside to pay tribute to Lionel Messi following Argentina’s World Cup triumph over France.

The pair congratulated Messi before both nodding to Argentinian legend Diego Maradona.

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Maradona helped Argentina to their last world title in 1986.

He died in 2020 at the age of 60 and Ronaldo, 46, spoke of “Diego’s party in heaven” after beating France on penalties.

Ronaldo posted a picture of Messi raising the trophy on Instagram, which garnered more than 2 million likes overnight.

He wrote: “This guy’s football dispels any rivalry – even the history between Brazil and Argentina.

“I saw many Brazilians – and people from all over the world – cheering on @leomessi in this electrifying final.

“A farewell worthy of the genius who was far more than world champion and led an era.

“I’m imagining my friend Diego’s party in heaven. Here we are millions of all nationalities ready to give you an ovation. Congratulations Messi!”

Pele, who has been following the tournament in hospital while battling cancer, also paid tribute to Messi and Maradona.

While 82-year-old Kylian Mbappe, whose last hat-trick was in jeopardy, gave a special mention and Morocco became the first African nation to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup.

Pele wrote on Instagram: “Today, as always, football tells its story in an engaging way. Messi wins his first World Cup as his career deserves.

“My dear friend Mbappe who scored four goals in a final. What a gift to see this spectacle about the future of our sport.

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

“Congratulations Argentina! Surely Diego is smiling now.”

Messi repeated Maradona’s iconic 1986 World Cup pose as he lifted football’s greatest prize.

He then vowed not to retire from international football, hinting that he might even play at the next tournament.

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