Pele Declares the 'Messi Era' and Departs... A New Beginning in Football History

Edson Arantes do Nascimento. The man known as 'Pel?' passed away forever on the 30th. He was 82 years old.

Pel? was synonymous with the 'King of Football.' He was regarded as the greatest player in the history of football. The records prove this.

Unprecedented 3-time World Cup Champion... Brazilian Government Designated Him a 'National Treasure' to Prevent Overseas Transfer

'Football Emperor' Pel? passed away at the age of 82 on the 29th (local time) while battling colon cancer at Albert Einstein Hospital in S?o Paulo, Brazil. During his active career, Pel? played in 1,363 matches and scored 1,281 goals, earning him the title of 'Football Emperor.' He is the only player to have won the World Cup three times, in 1958, 1962, and 1970. The photo shows Lionel Messi of Argentina (left) standing with Pel? while holding the Ballon d'Or trophy at the 2011 FIFA Ballon d'Or ceremony held at the Kongresshaus in Zurich, Switzerland, on January 9, 2012.

Pel? contributed to Brazil's victories in the 1958, 1962, and 1970 World Cups, holding the record for the most World Cup wins by a player.

At the 1958 Sweden World Cup, he scored in the quarterfinals against Wales at the age of 17 years and 239 days, becoming the youngest goal scorer in World Cup history. In the semifinal against France, he scored a hat-trick, also setting the record as the youngest to do so at 17 years and 244 days.

In the final against Sweden, at 17 years and 249 days old, he was the youngest player to appear, scored multiple goals setting the youngest goal scorer record, and swept the youngest winner record as well.

After Pel? wore the number 10 jersey 10 times on the World Cup stage, the number 10 became a symbol of the ace player.

Later, as European elite clubs made tempting offers to Pel?, the Brazilian government designated him a 'national treasure' in 1961 to prevent him from moving abroad.

In the 1962 Chile World Cup, Pel? played only two matches due to injury, but Brazil achieved back-to-back championships and reclaimed the top spot in 1970. Pel? is the only player to have won the World Cup three times.

The Brazilian government designated Pel? as a 'national treasure' to prevent him from being transferred to overseas clubs. He debuted professionally in 1956 and played only for the Brazilian professional football team Santos FC until 1974. In his later years, driven by the cause of spreading football in the 'football wasteland' of the United States, he moved to the North American Soccer League's New York Cosmos and played until 1977.

Muhammad Ali and Michael Jordan Surpassed to Become 'Greatest Athlete of the 20th Century'

On July 26, 1977, artist Andy Warhol (left) is seen talking with Pel? about the portrait he is painting of him in New York. A poster of Pel? kicking a ball is attached to the wall.

Based on these records, Pel?'s consecutive recognition as the 'Greatest Player of the 20th Century' by the world's largest international sports organizations further supports his greatness.

In 2000, Pel? was named FIFA 'Player of the Century' alongside the late Diego Maradona (Argentina).

In 1999, in a vote conducted by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) among National Olympic Committees (NOCs), Pel? was ranked first as the 'Greatest Athlete of the 20th Century.'

Despite never having participated in the Olympics, Pel? surpassed Olympic gold medalists such as Muhammad Ali (USA, boxing), Carl Lewis (USA, athletics), and Michael Jordan (USA, basketball) in that vote.

Countless Players Challenging the New King

Argentina national football team’s Lionel Messi (center) and his teammates cheer while holding the trophy after winning against France in the 2022 Qatar World Cup final at Lusail Stadium in Qatar on the 18th (local time). On that day, Argentina and France were tied 2-2 during the 90 minutes of regular time and 3-3 after extra time, and Argentina won 4-2 in the subsequent penalty shootout to claim the championship.

Pel? has passed away, but football continues. The challenges of successors aiming to surpass Pel? have continued endlessly, and the 2022 Qatar World Cup was recorded in history as the coronation of a new king.

Lionel Messi has been regarded as one of the greatest players in football history, but the lack of a World Cup victory was considered a weakness in comparisons with Pel?.

In this World Cup, Messi stood tall as Argentina's 'savior,' putting an end to the 'Greatest Of All Time (GOAT)' debate.

Pel? left 12 goals and 8 assists in World Cup history. Until Messi surpassed him with 13 goals and 8 assists, Pel? held the record for the most offensive points in the World Cup.

Pel?'s 77 goals were also the record for the most goals by a South American player in A matches until last year. Messi broke this record as well. In September last year, during World Cup qualifiers, Messi surpassed Pel? and increased his total to 98 goals including the Qatar World Cup.

Messi appeared in 26 World Cup matches, surpassing Lothar Matth?us (Germany) to set a new record for the most appearances.

Additionally, Messi became the ninth player to win the Ballon d'Or, UEFA Champions League (UCL), and World Cup, and by including the 2008 Beijing Olympic gold medal, he set the record as the first player to win the World Cup, Ballon d'Or, UCL, and Olympic gold medal.

Since the 'Golden Ball' award was established in the 1982 World Cup for the best player, Messi is the first player to win it twice.

Like the Coronation of a King... Pel?'s Last Social Media Message Was About Messi

The last SNS post left by Pel? before his passing. He said, "Football, as always, has created a fascinating story," and congratulated, "Messi won the World Cup for the first time, a result befitting his football career."

The football world has long engaged in endless 'GOAT' debates. In the contemporary era, Messi and Ronaldo competed, while historically, Pel?, Maradona, Messi, and Ronaldo have been rivals.

Football fans seem to have effectively ended this debate with Messi's victory in the Qatar World Cup. FIFA also stated through its official social media accounts, "The GOAT debate is over. Now, even the ultimate prize (the World Cup trophy) is in Messi's display case. The legacy is complete."

Not only FIFA but also media outlets worldwide such as Spain's 'Marca,' the UK's 'Sports Bible,' and 'ESPN' have recognized Messi as the GOAT.

Above all, what confirmed the 'Messi era' was Pel?'s message. As if the former king passed the crown to the next, Pel?'s last social media message before his passing was a congratulatory message on Messi's 2022 Qatar World Cup victory.