Pele in USA: 50 years on, late soccer legend's stint with Cosmos is the model for Lionel Messi

Pele died of colon cancer at the age of 82. He was in hospital over Christmas. The Cosmos were founded in 1970 by Turkish businessmen Ahmet and Nesuhi Ertegun. They were acquired by Warner Communications two years later. Steve Ross, CEO of Warner, was the driving force to bring Pele to the US. Kissinger helped him. In 1975, the team played in the New York City's NASL. They played at Yankee Stadium and Hofstra University. Their attendance was low, but they gained popularity. Sir Geoff Hurst and Bobby Moore are among those who paid tribute to Peel.