Inter Miami captain and global football icon Lionel Messi has joined millions worldwide in mourning the loss of Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday, April 21, at the age of 88. The Vatican confirmed that the first-ever Latin American pontiff died at his residence in Casa Santa Marta after suffering a stroke followed by heart failure. Messi, a fellow Argentine, shared an emotional tribute on social media, honoring the Pope’s legacy and personal impact.
In a poignant Instagram post, Messi wrote, “A different Pope, close, Argentine… RIP Pope Francis. Thank you for making the world a better place. We will miss you.” Accompanying the message was a photograph from their 2013 meeting at the Vatican, where Messi, then playing for Barcelona, exchanged gifts with the newly elected Pope. The encounter left a lasting impression on the football star, who later gifted Pope Francis jerseys from his clubs, including Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami, as a gesture of respect and admiration.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, was a passionate football fan and a lifelong supporter of the Argentine club San Lorenzo, holding membership number 88,235. His love for the sport was well-documented, and he often spoke of its power to unite people across divides. In 2013, he hosted Messi and the Argentine national team at the Vatican, where he praised the footballer’s humility and grounded nature. In a 2021 interview with Télam news agency, Francis fondly recalled their meeting, saying, “Thank you for being close, thank you for the example you set, and thank you for not letting fame go to your head.”
Messi’s tribute resonated deeply with fans and the football community, reflecting the shared pride Argentines felt for the Pope’s global influence. San Lorenzo, the Pope’s beloved club, also issued a heartfelt statement, honoring his “decades-long passion” for the team and describing him as “a thoughtful, open-minded, cultured man completely committed to his convictions.” The club expressed their sorrow, stating, “Wrapped in deep sorrow, from #SanLorenzo today we say to Francis: Goodbye, thank you, and farewell!”
The sports world joined Messi in commemorating Pope Francis, with Italian football postponing Serie A matches, including Parma vs. Juventus and Genoa vs. Lazio, as a mark of respect. The Italian Olympic Committee called for a minute’s silence to be observed at all sporting events throughout the week. In Argentina, tributes poured in from athletes, clubs, and fans, celebrating the Pope’s humility and his advocacy for peace and unity through sport.
Pope Francis’ connection to football extended beyond fandom. He championed initiatives like the Match for Peace, which brought together over 150 football legends in Rome, with the final edition in 2022 held as a tribute to Diego Maradona, whom Francis called “the poet of soccer.” His surprising admiration for Brazilian legend Pelé also made headlines when, in a 2023 interview, he placed Pelé above Messi and Maradona as the greatest footballer, showcasing his impartial appreciation for the game’s global icons.
Messi’s tribute adds to the outpouring of grief from celebrities, world leaders, and ordinary citizens. Notable figures, including Leonardo DiCaprio and CNN host Ana Navarro-Cárdenas, also honored the Pope’s legacy, with DiCaprio praising his environmental advocacy through documents like Laudato Si’ and Laudate Deum. The bells of Notre-Dame Cathedral rang 88 times in memory of the pontiff, and in Ivory Coast, priests led prayers at the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace.