[VIDEO] Brazilian Legends Ronaldinho and Roberto Carlos Grace Orlando with The Beautiful Game Match

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The Beautiful Game Legends showcase took place this weekend at Exploria Stadium. The game, captained by two of the biggest legends in the modern era of football, highlighted the fun and camaraderie between the biggest players in the sport. Multiple players from different nationalities, rival teams and even rival sports came out to commemorate the Brazilian Legends.

Obrigado Orlando!

For Team Ronaldinho, or Team R10, his side featured some defensive standouts from years past. World Cup winners Dida, Cafu and Aldair were present alongside fellow compatriot Dante. Former Barcelona and Mexico legend Rafa Marquez also featured for the team alongside Javier Mascherano who also enjoyed success at Barcelona. Finally, the star-studded offense featured current star players Paulo Dybala, Vinicius Jr. while pairing them with legends like Ronaldo Nazario and Jay Jay Okocha.

Former Real Madrid legend Roberto Carlos had plenty of help on his side for the legends showcase. Roberto Carlos wasn’t able to play long due to a hamstring injury suffered early on. However, the starters kept him afloat as Eder Militao, Gabriel and Diego Lugano assisted him.

Legendary Colombia keeper Rene Higuita lit up the early minutes of the game with save after save. The keeper, famous for his Scorpion kicks through the 1990’s seemingly turned back the clock as he kept shots out of play.

The first goal of the night came from none other than Jay Jay Okocha as he dribbled past two defenders with grace. Not to be outdone, Rivaldo would equalize the score minutes later. A vintage left-footed curled strike from outside the box left Dida without a paddle. The goals started to pour in as fans were left to ‘ooh’ and ‘aah’ at each magic touch. From midfield magicians like Diego Ribas and Juan Sebastian Veron, to speedsters like Nani and Willian. The first-class football on display was a beauty to watch, living up to its namesake.

Beautiful Game Meets Ugly Weather

Despite the theatrics, mother nature had its final say on the match day. The Beautiful Game was suspended in the 63rd minute after a torrential downpour. However, pitch invaders were also a huge problem as the stadium became inundated with fans. Wanting an autograph is understandable, but compromising player safety and staff for selfish reasons became too much. Orlando Police officially declared the game over for both weather and fan purposes.

In the end, Team Ronaldinho came ahead just slightly with the win. His crop of legends were able to overcome Roberto Carlos’ side 4-3 on goals before the weather kicked in. In a heartwarming performance, legends like Jay Jay Okocha, Cafu and Leandrinho were able to turn back the clock and dazzle fans of The Beautiful Game one last time.

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Nicolas Vera is a reporter for Florida National News, part of the FNN News Network. | info@floridanationalnews.com

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