By Tom Avery
Brazilian legend Pele has sent a powerful 17-word message to Manchester United forward Antony following Brazil’s shock World Cup defeat to Croatia.
The five-time World Cup winners looked set to be the first nation to book their place in the last-four after Neymar broke the deadlock in the closing stages of the first half of extra time.
But Bruno Petkovic drew the Croats level with three minutes of extra time remaining which meant the game would be decided by penalties.
Rodrygo and Marquinhos missed their spot kicks and after Croatia scored all four of their penalties, Brazil’s wait to win a sixth World Cup will extend to at least 24 years.
Antony came on to replace Barcelona’s Raphinha in the 56th minute.
United’s number 21 gave Croatia’s left-back Borna Sosa the run around and he had the beating off the VfB Stuttgart left-back every time he ran at him.
Tottenham Hotspur’s Ivan Perisic, who has already been on the receiving end of Antony’s skills when Spurs were beaten 2-0 by Erik ten Hag’s Red Devils at Old Trafford back in October, wasn’t best please with the former Ajax man’s showboating.
But the 22-year-old wasn’t fazed by the former Inter Milan’s robust approach, and when the opportunity came for the 15-time Brazil to shoulder-to-shoulder with Perisic, it was Antony who came out on top in the test of strength.
Like Brazil’s talisman Neymar, Antony was crestfallen when Brazil were knocked out of the competition and he had to be consoled by several of his compatriots.
But after posting an emotional message on Instagram following Brazil’s shock loss, Antony has received a message of support from Brazil legend Pele.
The three-time World Cup winner, who is one of the greatest players of all time, replied to Antony’s Instagram post with the message: “You are part of upcoming generation. Don’t give up and stay strong. The story is just beginning.”
Antony will return to Carrington in due course alongside his Brazilian teammates Fred and Casemiro.
United’s first game back after the World Cup is against Burnley in the Carabao Cup fourth-round at Old Trafford on December 21.
The talented South American hasn’t played for the twenty-time league champions since the end of October after picking up an injury prior to departing for Qatar.

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