RIP, The King!

Latin American football artists have a special affinity with fans across the seas India is no exception Diego Maradona had flown into Keralarsquos Kannur district in 2012 for a jewellery showroom promotion Earlier in 2008 he came to Kolkata for a felicitation function and fans went crazyVisited India thricePele was a threetime visitor to India 1977 2015 and 2018 and left behind a legion of fans hoping for a fourth appearance It was not to happen as the legendary Brazilian passed away on Thursday at the age of 82He watched Qatar 2022 action from the hospital bed greeted Lionel Messi on winning footballrsquos biggest prize after the final at Doha appreciated Kylian Mbappersquos goalgetting prowess against Argentina praised Moroccorsquos sensational performance en route their firstever semifinal in World Cup history Pelersquos post ended with immortal words about the future of his sport stating lsquoDiego is smilingrsquo The Brazilian icon joins the Argentine superstar up there among the stars The Latin American nations are archrivals on the football front these two shared a bonding despite the contrast The chunky playmaker and a lithe striker terrorised defenders in their own special waysFirst visit in 1977Pele came to Kolkata in 1977 first time with the New York club Cosmos for a friendly game against Mohun Bagan club at the iconic Eden Gardens The legend a World Cupper at 17 years came to India twice afterwards in 2015 as chief guest for the Subroto Cup nationallevel interschools football final in New Delhi and 2018 as an invitee speaker for a corporate leadership summitAlso ReadTributes pour in Inspiration and love marked the journey of King PeleInstant hit with fansHe was an instant hit with fans during the three India visitsmdashas a performer in front of 80000 packed in the stands an icon for kids chasing football dreams and an achiever sharing his life story with a different audiencePelersquos connect with people is direct and instant beyond geographical boundaries There was an aura around him the way Muhammad Ali or Sir Gary Sobers radiated positivity wherever they went The joy of scheming and scoring goals transmitted to the spectators in stadiums viewers on television He sensed openings in defensive formations before rivals could react and called the shots in the goalmouth as if players around him were the supporting cast on his football show The Brazilian is the gold standard against whom achievement by players from later generations are compared for the greatness factor For example Spain teenager Gavi made his World Cup debut at 18 years 110 days in the Qatar 2022 group game against Costa RicaThe FC Barcelona football prodigy went on to get his name on the scoresheet becoming the youngest World Cupper after Pele 17 years 249 days 1958 World Cup for Brazil against home team Sweden to find the netFrancersquos sensational striker Kylian Mbappe scored four times against Lionel Messirsquos Argentina at the Lusail Stadium recently taking his tally of World Cup goals 2018 Russia 2022 Qatar to 12 equalling the aggregate by the Brazilian who finished on the winning side in 1958 Sweden 1962 Chile 1970 Mexico Mbappe 24 years and en route to turning into a complete package as a strike force and needing two more World Cup wins to draw level will remember Pele for the messages between these two crowdpullers from different generationsThe French forward tweeted ldquoPray for the Kingrdquo in reference to the latterrsquos critical condition during Qatar 2022 The Brazilian responded ldquoThank you KMbappe Irsquom happy to see you breaking another of my records in this World Cup my friendrdquoFollowing a brave battle against colon cancer Edson Arantes do Nascimento Pelersquos real name left us to team up with aces up there A smiling Maradona at the gate welcoming him into a galaxy of greats No more messages from the maestro Pele leaves behind gorgeous goals records and a lifetime of positive presence as motivation for those daring to trace his footsteps