France’s 2-1 extra time victory over Brazil in Le Havre may well have spelled the end of Marta’s glorious World Cup career. The six-time FIFA World Player of the Year extended her all-time World Cup goalscoring record to 17 with two penalties in the group stage, but for the second consecutive tournament, Brazil crashed out at the Round of 16.
By the time the next tournament comes around, Marta will be 37 years old, and while Formiga is still in the squad at the age of 41, Marta used her postgame interview today to issue an impassioned challenge to Brazil’s next generations: The likes of herself, Formiga and Cristiane won’t be around forever, and it’s up to the littlest of the Little Canary to push things forward.
"Cry in the beginning so you can smile in the end"
Marta's message for Brazil's next generation will give you CHILLS. pic.twitter.com/waDAFlgM4F— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 23, 2019