'We are on this journey together': Pele backs Brazil in World Cup match

FILE PHOTO: Brazil fan holds a replica World Cup trophy in front of a banner of former Brazil player Pele before the Cameroon v Brazil match at Lusail Stadium, Lusail, Qatar - December 2, 2022 REUTERS/Benoit Tessier/File Photo

SAO PAULO (Reuters) - Soccer legend Pele backed Brazil's national team in their World Cup round of 16 match against South Korea on Monday, saying he would watch the game from hospital after being admitted there last week as he battles colon cancer.

Pele, 82, said in an Instagram post before the game that he wished to inspire Brazil's players by sharing a picture taken at the 1958 World Cup in Sweden, when the then-teenager shocked the world by leading the South American side to their first title.