Legendary Brazilian footballer Pele passed away at the age of 82 in Brazil on Thursday, December 29. While football fans across the globe were heartbroken, they took solace in the thought that Pele’s emotional tribbute to Argentina legend and friend Diego Maradona, on the latter’s death, would be finally coming true. 

After Maradona passed away on November 25, 2020, Pele wrote a touching tribute in which he said: “Sad news today. I have lost a dear friend and the world has lost a legend. There is much more to say, but for now may God give his family strength. One day I hope we will play soccer together in the sky.”

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He later posted an even longer tribute to his good friend. “Seven days have passed since you left. Many people loved to compare us throughout their lives. You were a genius that charmed the world. A magician with the ball at his feet. A true legend. But above all that, for me, you will always be a great friend, with an even bigger heart.”

“Today, I know the world would be much better if we could compare less to each other and start admiring each other more. So, I want to say that you are incomparable,” he added. “Your career was marked by honesty. And in your unique and particular way, you taught us that we have to love and say “I love you” a lot more often. Your quick departure didn’t let me say it to you, so I will just write: I love you, Diego.”

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He concluded: “My great friend, thank you very much for our entire journey. One day, in heaven, we will play together on the same team. And it will be the first time that I raise my fist in the air in triumph on the pitch without celebrating a goal. It will be because I can finally embrace you again.”

Maradona won one World Cup with Argentina, while Pele won three World Cups with Brazil. However, it was never a competition with the both of them off the field. 

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This is why, despite Argentina’s victory over France this month, Pele ended up celebrating, fondly remembering Maradona and imagining him celebrating in heaven.

Pele wrote: “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.”