Amid Last Dance, Megan Rapinoe Gives a Fitting Tribute to Brazil’s Marta as She Leaves the World Cup Stage

The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup has reached its knockout stages. This year’s tournament is particularly special as it marks the farewell of two soccer legends – Megan Rapinoe from the United States and Brazil’s Marta Vieira da Silva. 

Rapinoe, the USWNT legend, announced her retirement before the start of the World Cup. At the same time, Marta revered as one of the greatest women’s soccer players of all time, decided to call it quits after Brazil’s early exit from the group stage. 

Megan Rapinoe’s heartfelt tribute to the Brazilian after a crushing defeat

Marta, known as the “Pele in skirts,” holds the record for the most goals scored in the history of the Women’s World Cup, with an impressive tally of 17 goals. Her contributions to women’s soccer have been monumental.  After a 0-0 deadlock with Jamaica this Brazil faced their first group-stage exit since 1995. This will also be the first time that Reggae girlz will feature in a knockout game in the world cup.

Brazil’s heartbreaking exit from the group stages, Megan Rapinoe took to Instagram to share her heartfelt tribute to Marta Vieira da Silva. The post included a tweet from the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) highlighting Marta’s illustrious career and accomplishments.

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As the knockout stages commence, the focus shifts to the intense competition between teams. The United States women’s national team (USWNT) faces Sweden in the Round of 16. This encounter is historic, as the two teams will meet for the sixth time in the Women’s World Cup. In their last encounter, which was the opening match at the Tokyo Olympics, Sweden secured a 3-0 victory.

Challenges ahead for USWNT in the World Cup

Knockout stages are where the stakes are higher than ever. The USWNT, despite qualifying for the Round of 16 had a lackluster performance in the group stage. By earning only five points, their lowest-ever total in a FIFA Women’s World Cup group stage. To achieve their dream of a third successive world title, the renowned “three-peat”. Megan Rapinoe’s team must significantly improve their performance and overcome the challenges posed by Sweden.

As the soccer world bids farewell to two legends, Megan Rapinoe and Marta Vieira da Silva. Their contributions and impact on the sport will never be forgotten. These extraordinary athletes have inspired generations of players and have brought women’s soccer to new heights.

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