Lionel Messi shared an emotional tribute to Pope Francis following his passing, reflecting on their deep connection through football, the Pope’s passion for the sport, and his efforts to unite people globally through compassion and teamwork.

Lionel Messi, one of the greatest footballers in the history of the sport, shared an emotional tribute following the passing of Pope Francis, the beloved pontiff who passed away at the age of 88.

Known for his humility both on and off the field, Messi’s bond with the Pope was deeply rooted in shared values and mutual respect, transcending religion and sport.

Their connection, particularly through football, embodied the power of the beautiful game to unite and inspire people around the world.

Messi, who had met Pope Francis several times during his career, expressed his sorrow over the loss of a man who had not only been a spiritual leader but also a figure of immense personal significance.

The two first crossed paths in 2013 when Messi, as captain of the Argentina national team, and his teammates visited the Vatican.

It was during this visit that Pope Francis, a devout supporter of Argentina’s football culture, gifted Messi a signed football and shared words of encouragement for the young star. This moment marked the beginning of a friendship between the two, which only deepened over time.

In a statement shared on social media, Messi paid tribute to the Pope, calling him “a different kind of Pope, one who was close, humble, and deeply connected to the people.” The Barcelona legend continued by saying, “Rest in peace, Pope Francis.

Thank you for making the world a better place. We will miss you.” This heartfelt message resonated deeply with fans, not only because of the respect Messi holds within the football community but also because of the bond the two shared as Argentinians.

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, had always maintained a close connection to football, a passion that reflected his Argentine roots.

Even after ascending to the papacy in 2013, he never lost his love for the sport. He was a lifelong supporter of San Lorenzo, one of Argentina’s most famous football clubs. This love for the game was not just about the sport itself but about its potential to bring people together.

Pope Francis saw football as a universal language that transcended religious, cultural, and geographical boundaries. He often spoke of football as a means of promoting peace, unity, and teamwork.

Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis continued to engage with the world of football. He met with numerous football legends, including Messi, Ronaldinho, and Pep Guardiola, among others.

These meetings were not merely ceremonial but symbolic of the Pope’s broader mission to engage with people from all walks of life and use his influence to promote positive change.

For Messi, these encounters were deeply meaningful, not just as a world-famous footballer but as someone who shared Pope Francis’s passion for using their platform to make a difference.

In 2021, Messi sent a signed Paris Saint-Germain jersey to the Pope, an act that further solidified their connection. The Pope, in turn, expressed his admiration for Messi’s grounded nature, despite his global fame.

“Messi is an example of perseverance, humility, and gratitude,” Pope Francis said, underscoring the shared values that made their relationship so special.

Messi’s tribute to the Pope after his passing was a reflection of this deep bond—one that went beyond football to encompass a shared commitment to humanity and compassion.

Pope Francis’s death was a moment of profound grief for people all over the world, but especially in Argentina, where he was seen as a symbol of pride and unity.

Football clubs across the globe, from Barcelona to PSG, as well as countless individual players, mourned the loss of a pope who had touched the lives of so many.

Messi’s tribute, along with messages from other athletes, was a testament to the deep impact Pope Francis had on the world of sport.

In Italy, where football is a national passion, the news of the Pope’s passing prompted an outpouring of tributes from players, coaches, and fans alike.

Many football matches were canceled or postponed as a mark of respect, and fans observed moments of silence in honor of the Pope.

Messi, as a central figure in the world of football, became the face of the football community’s mourning, with his message reaching millions across the globe.

The funeral for Pope Francis was held on April 26, 2025, in St. Peter’s Square, with dignitaries from around the world, including political leaders and religious figures, in attendance.

The ceremony was not just a farewell to a spiritual leader but a recognition of the profound impact he had on global culture, including football.

Pope Francis’s ability to bridge the gap between faith and football was evident in the tributes from athletes, who spoke not just of his spiritual guidance but of the joy he brought to the football community through his love of the sport.

Looking back on Pope Francis’s papacy, one of his most significant contributions to football was his ability to use the sport as a tool for promoting peace and understanding.

His initiative to organize interfaith football matches, where players from different religious backgrounds came together to play, was one example of how he used the game to foster dialogue and build connections.

These matches were a manifestation of his belief that football, much like faith, had the power to unite people despite their differences.

As the world reflects on the life of Pope Francis, the tributes from figures like Messi serve as a reminder of the universal values that the Pope championed throughout his life.

His efforts to connect with the global community through football, his love for the game, and his teachings about teamwork and compassion will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy.

Messi’s tribute encapsulated not only the loss of a beloved figure but also the enduring impact of Pope Francis’s efforts to use football as a means of spreading love and unity across the world.

In the days following Pope Francis’s death, the football community continued to mourn the loss of a man who had played such an important role in their lives.

As Messi’s words resonated across the world, fans and players alike were reminded of the Pope’s incredible ability to bridge divides and bring people together through the power of sport.

His legacy in the football world will not be forgotten, and his memory will continue to inspire players, fans, and leaders for years to come.