Former Brazil international, Pele, has demonstrated remarkable self-confidence by suggesting that Lionel Messi, a striker regarded as one of the greatest football players on the planet, still has a long way to go before he can join the same exclusive club as Franz Beckenbauer, Bobby Charlton, and, of course, himself.
Speaking in the wake of Messi’s third consecutive Ballon d’Or award, an accolade given to the best player in the world, at least in popular opinion, Pele said that Messi needs to improve at international level before he can truly be considered a great of his time. Messi, who has 66 caps for Argentina, is yet to win a major football tournament with his country.
Pele was more than happy to explain the difference between himself and Barcelona’s Messi. “When Messi has scored 1,283 goals, like me; when he’s won three World Cups, we’ll talk about it,” Pele said, in response to the insinuation – given by the Ballon d’Or – that the Argentine is the best player on Earth.
The Brazilian, who racked up 800 caps for South American outfit, Santos, between 1956-74, is one of the most well-known faces in football. He currently works as an ambassador for the sport. Pele has also been the face of a number of products, ranging from video games to his oft-mentioned efforts to raise awareness of erectile dysfunction.
“I like Messi a lot. He’s a great player”, Pele added. “Technically, we’re practically at the same level. But when he plays for Argentina he doesn’t have the same success.” Argentina are, much like England, expected to win far more than they actually manage. The nation has not won the World Cup since 1986, despite consistently being placed among the favourites in the betting line and their last Copa America success came in 1993.
The Argentines did, however, win the football element of the Olympic Games in 2004 and 2008, which may encourage those who want to learn how to bet to do so before this summer’s football event in London!
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