(CNN) Brazil great Marta delivered an emotional message to the next generation of Brazilian players after the South American team was knocked out of the Women's World Cup Sunday.

The 33-year-old is widely regarded as the greatest woman to ever play the game but she was unable to inspire her side past France in what could be her last appearance at a World Cup.

However, in an emotional post-match interview, Marta called on Brazil's future stars to follow in her footsteps and continue developing the sport.

"Women's football depends on you to survive, think about it, value it more," Marta said, talking straight down the camera.

"We're asking for support, you have to cry at the beginning and smile at the end."