It turns out that when you score a goal at the World Cup, even the legends of the game are paying close attention.
Tim Weah had a stylish finish to cap off the best attacking move the U.S. men’s national team put together in their 1-1 draw with Wales. As a man of a certain age, Weah did what you do when you score a goal in your World Cup debut: he posted about it on Instagram.
“Mixed emotions,” wrote Weah in a caption summing up his excitement about scoring on the biggest stage, but also being frustrated to not come away with the three points. “This was for USA, this was for Liberia, this was for Jamaica, this was for my family!”
https://www.instagram.com/p/ClPeMA3Nqe3/
The replies saw some expected support from USMNT defenders Antonee Robinson and DeAndre Yedlin, as well as former USMNT strikers Jozy Altidore and Eddie Johnson. Weah’s former Lille teammate Rafael Leao was in the mentions, as was Juventus forward Moise Kean.
However, one reply stood out from the rest: Pelé, who sent his plaudits to the 22-year-old.
“Congratulations. It was a beautiful goal,” wrote Pelé. “Keep dreaming, dreams come true.”
Weah wasn’t too active into the replies — another thing you do after scoring a World Cup goal is, you go to sleep — but he took time to respond. After all, we’re talking about Pelé saying his goal was beautiful, right? Of course he responded.
“Thank you Papa Pele,” wrote Weah. “It is such a blessing and an honor to receive such an inspiring message from The King himself. Thank you for everything you’ve done for the world and for us young black men. Grandes Abraços.”
Weah will look to continue impressing the all-time greats on Friday, when the USMNT takes on England.
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