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A jersey worn by soccer giant Pele in the first World Cup final ever won by Brazil sold for $4.9 million at a US auction on Thursday.

The Brazilian attacker nicknamed “The King” was 17 when he scored two goals in his country’s 5-2 victory over host country Sweden in 1958.

The blue shirt became the second most expensive jersey sold at auction after an anonymous buyer beat out four other bidders at Sotheby’s in New York.

The record of $9.3 million is for a jersey worn by Argentinian star Maradona during a legendary quarter-final clash with England in the 1986 Mexico World Cup.

Argentina won the match 2-1 thanks to two Maradona goals, including his infamous “Hand of God” finish in which he illegally punched the ball into the net.

AFP

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Argentina captain, Lionel Messi, has revealed what his team relies on following their World Cup semi-final 2-1 win against England on Wednesday.

Messi helped Argentina by providing two assists as Lionel Scaloni’s side defeated the Three Lions, thanks to goals from Lautaro Martinez and Enzo Fernandez.

Speaking at his post-match interview after the game, the 39-year-old forward said his team relies on competition, with strong self-esteem and excellent performance, to fight for every match.

“We rely on competition, with strong self-esteem and excellent performance, to fight for every match,” Messi said.

“Because today we played a great game, pressing England in front of their goal after falling behind.

“So, I am very happy, enjoying all of this, and proud and happy to be able to bring joy to all Argentines once again.”

Messi will now hope to lead Argentina to victory when they face Spain in the World Cup final on Sunday.

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England had been on course to reach their first World Cup final since 1966 after Anthony Gordon fired them into the lead 10 minutes after half-time in the semi-final in front of 68,239 fans in Atlanta.

But the great rivalry between these nations has produced several memorable contests on the World Cup stage down the years, and this will be remembered as the stuff of legends in Argentina as the South Americans denied England with two late sucker punches.

Messi set up Enzo Fernandez to fire in an 85th-minute equaliser and then, with extra time looming, crossed for substitute Lautaro Martinez to head in the winner in the second minute of stoppage time.

It was maybe not quite up there with Diego Maradona’s legendary display in putting England to the sword in 1986, but the goals this time brought Argentina back from the dead and kept alive their hopes of winning back-to-back World Cups.

Argentina are in the final of the World Cup! The defending champions fought back from one goal down to defeat England and book a date in Sunday’s game.

Argentina will face Spain in the final on Sunday, July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.