A native of Argentina, Pope Francis certainly has a passion for his native land and the soccer team that represents the Argentine people.
In preparing for the upcoming international friendly between Argentina and the Italian nationals, the leader of the Catholic Church met with players and representatives from both teams at the Vatican in a strong show of support for both teams and the game of soccer.
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Having the chance to share words of encouragement with players including Davide Astori and Gianluigi Buffon of Italy along with Argentine phenom Lionel Messi, Pope Francis told each player to continue to be a role model for the fans while maintaining the sport as a game and not just a business.
"You footballers are popular and people follow you," Pope Francis said to members of both squads. "You have a social responsibility. More than being champions, you are men, carriers of humanity."
"Don't lose the sporting character in favor of a football business," he continued. "This guarantees that families come to the stadium and it discourages violence. The professional game must not forget its amateur beginnings, which value camaraderie and beauty."
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The pontiff was also relieved that the upcoming match is just a friendly since he finds it difficult to root for only one club.
"Fortunately this is just a friendly because it's going to be hard for me to support one over the other."
Though he will miss the friendly against Italy due to a thigh injury, Lionel Messi was honored to meet the Pope even though the two did not speak for a lengthy period of time.
"It was a special day, I am proud that I was here to meet the Pope, also because he is Argentine,' Messi said to reporters.
"I did not talk a lot with Pope Francis but it was an unforgettable moment," he explained. "As footballers, we must always give good example in the field. Only with respect for opponents can you become men and football players."
Due to Vatican security not approving the appearance, Pope Francis will not be present at the international friendly, making the visitation with both teams all the more special for each person involved, namely Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon.
"That's a sign of his great humility, of his great humanity," Buffon said regarding the Pope's request for the players to pray for him before the match. "He's warmed up the hearts again of all the faithful who might have drifted away from the church during past papacies."
The international friendly between Italy and Argentina will take place on Wednesday, August 14 at 2:45pm, ET.
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