Franco Baresi and Romario look back on the ’94 World Cup final and move everyone

The soccer world’s grief over the passing of Franco Baresi at age 66 has transcended all boundaries, reaching every corner of the globe. Numerous messages have also arrived from Brazil, from clubs and players—both current and former—and fans were particularly moved by the message from Romario, who faced Baresi in the 1994 World Cup final under the scorching sun of Pasadena, in the United States, a match Brazil won only on penalty kicks.

“Guys, today the soccer world woke up a little sadder with the death of Franco Baresi,” began the great Brazilian striker, who lit up the fields from the mid-1980s through the following two decades. “When I played for PSV, I faced Milan twice, and even back then I realized that getting past Baresi was incredibly difficult. Then we faced off in the 1994 World Cup final, one of the most important matches of our lives. I can say this with absolute certainty: he was the toughest player I ever faced in my career.”

“In 1997, I had the honor of playing in his farewell match. That guy was on another level! He was the symbol of Milan and the Italian national team. One of the greatest defenders in history. I continue to hold him in the highest regard for everything he did for soccer, and my affection goes out to his family and friends. May God welcome him in peace. “Thank you for everything, Baresi,” Romario concluded.

Romario arrived at the 1994 World Cup final with a reputation as an unstoppable goal-scorer, fresh off a season in which he scored 30 goals in 33 La Liga matches for Barcelona. Despite his talent and that of his strike partner Bebeto, Brazil failed to score in the final against the Azzurri, battering Baresi’s defensive wall for 120 minutes—Baresi had just returned to action in that very match following meniscus surgery. The Seleção prevailed in the penalty shootout, but mutual respect among the champions on the field has never wavered since that day.