Pelé sends message of support to Neymar after World Cup exit

By MAURICIO SAVARESE
AP Sports Writer

SAO PAULO (AP) — Brazilian soccer great Pelé has congratulated Neymar for matching his national team scoring record and commiserated with the player for his World Cup exit. Pelé has been hospitalized while being treated for a respiratory infection. He posted his message on Instagram after Brazil lost to Croatia in a penalty shootout at the tournament in Qatar. The 82-year-old Pelé writes “I cheered for you every day and I can finally congratulate you for reaching my number of goals with Brazil.” Neymar scored Brazil’s only goal against Croatia to give him 77 for the national team. The Croats later won the shootout 4-2 after a 1-1 draw.