Pope Francis Stirs Controversy With Comments On Messi, Says Diego Maradona Failed As Man

Pope Francis, hailing from Argentina, has been a lifelong soccer enthusiast, maintaining unwavering support for his childhood club, San Lorenzo, despite his role as the most prominent figure in the Catholic Church.

When questioned about soccer, the Pope consistently responds with a profound understanding of the sport, and numerous top footballers often pay visits to The Vatican. Notably, two of the greatest footballers in history, Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona, share their Argentine nationality.

In discussions about the finest footballers in history, Pope Francis, surprisingly, leans towards Pele as his personal favourite. He highlights Pele’s exceptional compassion and humanity, recounting a personal meeting with the Brazilian legend during a flight in Buenos Aires. He acknowledges Maradona’s extraordinary playing talent but expresses disappointment in his personal struggles while commending Messi as a gentleman. Despite Cristiano Ronaldo not being part of the conversation, it is likely that the Pope holds him in high regard among the football greats.

Pope Francis’s preference for Pele over Messi and Maradona may come as a surprise to those in Argentina who had hoped he would choose one of his compatriots.

It’s important to note that the Pope assesses athletes not only for their performance in their respective disciplines but also for their overall character. Pelé’s humanitarian efforts in combating injustice after his retirement have likely contributed to the Pope’s admiration for him in terms of his contribution to humanity. The Pope has previously expressed his opinions on the best footballer among them all.