Pele pays tribute to Muhammad Ali: 'My idol, my hero'

From one icon to another.

Brazilian football legend Pele has paid tribute to boxing titan Muhammad Ali, eulogizing the transcendent champion who passed away Friday evening in a Phoenix-area hospital.

Related: Muhammad Ali dies at 74

Ali, who was admitted Thursday due to a respiratory issue, had been battling Parkinson's disease since 1984.

In the wake of his death, Pele took to Instagram to relay a heartfelt message, remembering a meeting between the two when the footballer played in the United States, and extolling the virtues of a man whom he describes as a friend, idol, and hero.

The message, in its entirety, reads as follows:

"The sporting universe has just suffered a big loss. Muhammad Ali was my friend, my idol, my hero. We spent many moments together and always kept a good connection throughout the years. The sadness is overwhelming. I wish him peace with God. And I send love and strength to his family."