Pope Francis admits to taking “joy” from the ability of fellow Argentine Lionel Messi, but is eager to point out that the Barcelona talisman “is not God”.
Many consider the mercurial South American to be a sporting deity, with his achievements raising the bar of individual excellence.
He is worshipped as a hero by millions around the world and has seen his record-breaking on-field efforts lead to him being showered with praise and major honours – both collective and individual.
Asked by Spanish television show Salvados on La Sexta whether such a billing for Lionel Messi could be considered sacrilegious, as it breaks the third commandment by using the Lord’s name in vain, Pope Francis said: “In theory, it's a sacrilege.
“You can't say it and I don't believe it. I think people say ‘he is God’ just as they say ‘I adore you’. You have to adore only God.
“It's expressions that people use. This is a god with the ball on the pitch. It's a popular way that people have of expressing themselves.
“Of course, it is a joy [to watch Leo Messi play]. But he is not God.”
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