Despite Messi being named the FIFA player of the year three times in a row, Pelé claims the Argentine must improve at international level before he can be considered as one of the greats.
The 71-year old told French newspaper Le Monde:
”When Messi has scored 1,283 goals and won three World Cups, then we will talk.”
”People always ask me: ‘When is the new Pelé going to be born?’ Never. My father and mother closed down the factory.”
Meanwhile, when Pelé was asked who his current favourite player is, the Rei do Futebol said Messi.
”I like Messi a lot, he’s a great player. Technically, we’re practically at the same level.”
