Brazil footballer Marta's message to the next generation is motivating everyone around the world

Brazil’s football legend Marta gave an emotional speech addressing her country’s young footballers to follow her generation’s footsteps, after being knocked out of the Women’s World Cup by the host team, France on Sunday. Earlier in the competition, Marta set an all-time record for World Cup scoring- Men’s or Women’s.

Marta looked straight into the camera as she addressed Brazil’s next generation, and said;  "It's wanting more. It's training more. It's taking care of yourself more. It's being ready to play 90 plus 30 minutes. This is what I ask of the girls." She went on to say there's not going to be "Formiga" or a "Marta" forever. 

"I am proud of our performance, the grit that we showed until the end," she said. "That's the feeling that I will keep with me. Those are the kind of matches that will help women's football to continue to grow."

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Marta has been vocal in her quest for equality in women's football and she wishes that her recent record-breaking features will help, "push for women's empowerment".

"We are trying to represent women and show how women can play any type of role," she said. "All the teams here, we are all representing [women]. Let me be clear, this is not only in sport. "This is a struggle for equality across the board." 

"The women's game depends on you to survive," Marta went on. "So think about that. Value it more. Cry in the beginning so you can smile in the end." that. Value it more. Cry in the beginning so you can smile in the end."

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Marta has been an inspiration for not just footballers but women in general. Her achievements include being the world player of the year six times, she also became the first footballer to score in five separate World Cups and her 17 goals represent more than a quarter of Brazil's overall goals in the competition.