Europe 1 with AFP 4:41 p.m., January 24, 2022
On Monday, Argentine soccer star Lionel Messi received a jersey autographed by Pope Francis, the Vatican Sports Association announced.
The Argentine pontiff, a great football fan, had already received Messi's autographed jersey, flocked with the number 30, in the colors of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) last October.
Exchange of "tunics" between compatriots: Argentine football star Lionel Messi received a jersey autographed by Pope Francis after having offered him his own, the Vatican sports association announced on Monday.
The Parisian striker received the jersey on Sunday from the hands of Mgr Emmanuel Gobilliard, auxiliary bishop of Lyon and delegate for the Holy See of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, announced in a press release Athletica Vaticana.
Pope Francis, a great football fan
"Man of faith, Messi told me how important this step was for him. We prayed together," tweeted Bishop Gobilliard with a photo alongside the Argentine star holding the yellow jersey in his hands, and another alongside. of the Brazilian Neymar.
>> READ ALSO
- Does Lionel Messi deserve a seventh Ballon d'Or?
Michel Platini's response
"The exchange of jerseys between the pope and the Argentine star is now complete," adds Athletica Vaticana: in October, Prime Minister Jean Castex presented François with Messi's autographed jersey, flocked with the number 30, in the colors of the Paris Saint Germain (PSG).
The Argentine pontiff, a great football fan - he has been a supporter of the Buenos Aires club San Lorenzo since his childhood - thanked him and congratulated him on his "simplicity".
Messi and Jorge Bergoglio, elected pope in March 2013, met in August of the same year at the Vatican.