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Journalist: If Messi wins the World Cup, the GOAT debate with Pelé will reignite

Diário do Centro do Mundo
Journalist: If Messi wins the World Cup, the GOAT debate with Pelé will reignite
Photo: diariodocentrodomundo.com.br

Key Points

  • Brazilian journalist Marcelo Bechler advised his countrymen to support Spain, wanting to prevent Messi's superiority in the debate.
  • Bechler stated that if Messi wins the final, he will equal Pelé in the number of World Cup final victories.
  • Drawing attention to Pelé's injury in the 1962 World Cup, he stated that he finds the three-championship defense relative.
  • He compared the different career traits of Pelé, who scored a final goal at the age of 17, and Messi, who played in the final at the age of 39.

By the Numbers

3 World Cups39 years old final17 years old final goal1962 injury

Brazilian journalist Marcelo Bechler stated that Brazilians should support Spain in the World Cup final; otherwise, Lionel Messi will strengthen his hand in the legendary debate with Pelé. According to Bechler, Messi winning the tournament once more will bring up a debate that is widely rejected in Brazil.

In his commentary on TNT Sports, Bechler noted that if Messi wins the final, he will equal Pelé in terms of World Cup final victories. Additionally, the journalist questioned the defense that Pelé won three World Cups, recalling that in the 1962 championship, Pelé got injured and could only play one match.

Comparing the careers of the two footballers, the journalist mentioned Pelé's achievement of scoring in the final at the age of 17, while also emphasizing Messi reaching the World Cup final at the age of 39. These remarks sparked wide repercussions on social media ahead of the tournament's final.

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Next storyLionel Messi before his last tango: Plans to retire from football by defending the World Cup championship

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why did journalist Marcelo Bechler say Brazilians should support Spain in the final?
Because he is concerned that Messi winning the World Cup again will expand the debates about him being the greatest footballer of all time to Pelé's detriment.
What did Bechler claim regarding Pelé's three World Cup victories?
Bechler stated that he finds this bold defense relative, pointing out that Pelé was injured after playing only one full match in the 1962 championship.
In what aspects did the journalist compare the careers of Messi and Pelé?
Bechler highlighted Pelé's achievement of scoring in the final at the age of 17, while drawing attention to Messi's longevity in reaching the World Cup final at the age of 39.

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