"Rest in peace, Pelé," reacted Lionel Messi, winner of the FIFA World Cup with Argentina, shortly after the announcement Thursday of the death of the Brazilian football legend at the age of 82.

• Read also: “King” Pelé, the world's first soccer star, dies at 82

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The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner posted his message on Instagram, captioning three photos: two of himself with Pelé and another of the legendary Brazilian celebrating a goal in the 1970 World Cup final in Mexico.

Former Argentine player Gabriel Batistuta also reacted to Pelé's death. “Thank you for everything you have given to the world of football. Rip legend,” tweeted the former Fiorentina player, who was Argentina's top scorer in the World Cup for 20 years, recently overtaken by Messi.

As soon as the news of 'King' Pele's death broke, many Argentines remembered his message when fellow world football legend Diego Maradona died aged 60 in 2020.

“I have lost a dear friend and the world a legend. I hope one day we will play football together in paradise,” Pelé wrote.

“One of the greatest footballers in history has left us. We will always remember those years when Pelé dazzled the world with his talent,” wrote Argentinian President Alberto Fernandez, known to be a great football fan.

Argentine football clubs also expressed their condolences, including popular Boca Juniors and River Plate.