Pelé: blizzard erupts between Argentina and Brazil

An Argentine website sparked the storm by headlining, “Third most powerful player in history dead.”

Pelé’s death has had great resonance around the world, provoking thousands of reactions, tributes and thoughts for O Rei. But there was also no shortage of controversy between Brazil and Argentina, fresh winners of the World Cup.

The website Cronica TV, a news channel known for its irreverent headlines, ironically wrote, “Farewell Pelé, the third best player in history has died,” sparking a social media storm and clash between Green and Albicelesti fans. The reference is to Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi, considered greater than the Brazilian legend.

The Argentine Football Federation’s tweet also sparked discussion: “One of the best players in history disappears,” is the expression in the statement that provoked venomous and resentful comments from the verdeoros.