Pope Francis reveals his favourite footballer

Pope Francis has revealed that his favorite footballer is the late Brazilian football icon, Pele. During a commemorative event for World War II soldiers, Pope Francis was asked to choose between Lionel Messi and the late Diego Maradona by TV station TG1. In response, the 86-year-old pontiff expressed his admiration for Pele and his humility, making him his top choice.

Pope Francis stated, “I would add a third, Pele. They are the three I have followed. All three are great, each with his speciality. At the moment, Messi is very good.”

He also commented on Diego Maradona’s troubled life, saying, “Maradona, as a man, failed, poor thing, he slipped, and the people around him didn’t help him. He came to see me the first year [I was pontiff]. [His life] ended badly. It’s funny, many sportsmen end badly, even in boxing. It’s curious.”

Pope Francis praised Lionel Messi for his gentlemanly behavior, calling him “very correct” and “a gentleman.” However, he emphasized that among the three football legends mentioned, Pele stood out as “the greatest gentleman” and commended him for his “very big heart.” Pope Francis recalled meeting Pele during a plane journey in Buenos Aires and was impressed by his humanity.