Lionel Messi is now just one goal off Pele's record for most goals scored at a single club after he headed home from close range against Valencia on Saturday, which has led to the Brazilian praising the Argentine.
It has been widely circulated that the Barcelona captain equalled the 80-year-old's record with that header, yet he is actually a goal shy. Nevertheless, Pele expressed his admiration for Messi due to everything that he has achieved at Barcelona.
"When your heart overflows with love, it is difficult to change your path," Pele wrote on Instagram, accompanied by an old photo of Messi being held aloft by Ousmane Dembele in a celebration that is similar to one of the Brazilian's.
"Like you, I know what it's like to love wearing the same shirt every day. Like you, I know that there is nothing better than the place we feel at home.
"Congratulations on your historic record, Lionel. But above all, congratulations on your beautiful career at Barcelona.
"Stories like ours, of loving the same club for so long, unfortunately will be increasingly rare in football. I admire you very much, Lionel."
The reason why Messi is on 642 goals and not 643 after 747 games for Barcelona, whom he made his debut for in 2004, is because MARCA recorded one as an own goal for Fernando Amorebieta.
Pele, meanwhile, managed to reach the figure of 643 goals in 659 games with Santos, the club he represented for 17 years before leaving in 1971.
D10S_LM10
286
Messi has always been criticised for playing for Barcelona alone but it's nice to see what legend thinks.. "Like you, I know what it's like to love wearing the same shirt every day. Like you, I know that there is nothing better than the place we feel at home." Congratulations Messi 💙❤️
Mosanya
180
Pele scored 643 goals for Santos. No player has EVER scored as many goals for one club. - Until Lionel Messi came along 😎 🐐🤝🐐
Edoo87
172
Legend praises legend
Pianski
59
Pele trollling Messi for can't scoring from Header today's he score a goal from Header and Silently him,Lesson Just don't underestimate the G.O.A.T
Championsword
37
Messi haters can kill themselves
AntiRacist1992
13
759 Josef Bican 757 Pelé 756 Cristiano Ronaldo 1 🐐 equals Pele record another 🐐 is on cusp of breaking Pele record for the most official goals. #Appreciate living in the goats era
Alensabu
8
Its not 80 year old its 50 year. Pele is now 80 year old