Lionel Messi Pays Emotional Tribute to Pope Francis Following His Passing at 88

On April 21, 2025, the world mourned the loss of Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88 due to complications from a stroke and heart failure. Among the many tributes pouring in, Inter Miami captain and Argentine football legend Lionel Messi shared a heartfelt message honoring the late pontiff.

Taking to Instagram, Messi posted a poignant message: “Un papa distinto, cercano, argentino… QEPD Papa Francisco. Gracias por hacer del mundo un lugar mejor,” which translates to “A different pope, close, Argentine… Rest in peace, Pope Francis.

Thank you for making the world a better place.” He accompanied the message with a photograph capturing their first meeting in 2013, a moment Messi described as one of the most special days of his life, despite being sidelined due to injury during the Argentina vs. Italy friendly match.

​The bond between Messi and Pope Francis extended beyond shared nationality. In 2013, shortly after Francis’s election as pope, Messi, serving as Argentina’s team captain, participated in an offering ceremony at the Vatican. Their mutual respect was further evident in subsequent years; in 2022, Pope Francis gifted Messi a signed jersey from Athletica Vaticana, the Vatican’s sports team, symbolizing a blessing for the football star.

Pope Francis, a devoted fan of Buenos Aires club San Lorenzo, often expressed his passion for football and held Messi in high esteem. In a 2023 interview, he named Messi among the three greatest footballers of all time, alongside legends Pelé and Diego Maradona.

Argentina’s deep connection to Pope Francis was evident as the Argentine Football Association postponed all matches on April 21 in mourning. A minute of silence is scheduled to be observed at games throughout the week, honoring a spiritual leader who resonated profoundly with the nation’s cultural and sporting identity.

Pope Francis’s legacy as a humble and compassionate leader continues to inspire, and tributes like Messi’s underscore the profound impact he had across diverse communities worldwide.