Pele congratulates Messi after Barcelona captain equals his scoring record

Pele had a message for Lionel Messi after the Barcelona captain tied his scoring record on Saturday with his 643rd goal for the Catalan giants.

The Argentine was on target in Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Valencia at the Camp Nou, meaning he is now level with the record Pele set with Santos.

Messi’s goal came after he saw a penalty saved by Jaume Doménech. However, the captain quickly made amends by bundling the ball home from close range for his sixth La Liga goal of the season.

read also:Messi equals Pele’s incredible record

Pele, who has been critical of Messi at times in the past, took to Instagram after the match to send a message of congratulations to the Barca skipper.

“When your heart overflows with love, it is difficult to change your path. 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, @leomessi.”

Messi’s next goal will see him move past the Brazilian and out on his own when it comes to goals for a single club. Barca play again on Tuesday at Real Valladolid.