BRAZILIAN icons Ronaldo and Pele put rivalries aside to pay tribute to Lionel Messi after Argentina’s World Cup triumph over France.
The pair congratulated Messi, before both giving a nod to Argentinian legend Diego Maradona.
Maradona helped Argentina to their last World Cup win in 1986.
He passed away in 2020 aged 60, and Ronaldo, 46, spoke of “Diego’s party in heaven” following the shootout win against France.
Ronaldo posted a picture of Messi lifting the trophy to Instagram, which was liked more than 2million 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, who has been watching the tournament in hospital as he battles cancer, also paid tribute to Messi and Maradona.
While the 82-year-old gave a special mention to Kylian Mbappe, who’s final hat-trick was in vein, and Morocco for being the first African nation to reach the World Cup semi-finals.
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.”
Messi replicated Maradona’s iconic World Cup pose from 1986 as he lifted football’s greatest prize.
He then vowed not to retire from international football, hinting that he could even play at the next tournament.
