Remembering Pope Francis! A Meeting with Lionel Messi

In a heartwarming encounter, Pope Francis met with Argentine football icon Lionel Messi at the Vatican on August 13, 2013. The meeting took place a day before Argentina's friendly match against Italy, where Messi, unfortunately, was sidelined due to an injury.

During the gathering, Pope Francis delivered a heartfelt speech, urging players to embody loyalty, respect, altruism, and solidarity. He described them as artisans of understanding and social peace, highlighting their role as role models, especially for the youth. Messi was visibly moved, shedding tears during the Pope's closing remarks when he received a blessing.

This meeting showcased Pope Francis's affection for football and his desire to connect with athletes. As a lifelong football enthusiast and supporter of Argentine football, he had previously expressed admiration for Messi, though he ranked him alongside other greats like Diego Maradona and Pele from Brazil

Rest in peace Pop Francis