“The voice” of Pope Francis can be likened to that “of God”, as the soft-spoken clergy joins debate on who’s the best footballer ever, picking Lionel Messi ahead of fellow Argentine Diego Maradona and Pele of Brazil.
Image shows Pope Francis in Krakow, Poland, in July.
Pope Francis was in Poland for the World Youth Day gathering where he made the comment.
Born in Argentina (17 December, 1936) and a big fan of football club San Lorenzo, the Pope says Lionel Messi is the best footballer, not Pele or Diego Maradona, Marca reported.
He said: “For me, Messi is better than Maradona and Pele.”
Football fans born in Messi’s era have argued in favor of the Barcelona superstar, notwithstanding their lack of knowledge on what football was in those days when Pele and Maradona had their fair share.
Now, the pope has put the arguments to rest.
Yes, he has, because the 79-year-old has been alive when all three played at their highest levels, with Messi the only active one.
Image shows Maradona, Messi and Pele.
His arguments comes from the fact that he understands football very well–and the pope will never be a partial judge.
Though the pope has spoken, it’s widely believed that the argument will last forever. Even kids yet unborn, will have to debate this over again. It’s also more likely that Cristiano Ronaldo will have to be included at some point.
Maradona and Pele both won World Cups with their country, while Messi hasn’t been able to lead his country to cup glory, be it at the World Cup or the Copa America. This is his only shortcoming, as most people argue that the Barca ace must win a trophy with Argentina for him to be considered as “the best ever”.
Pope Francis, however, says winning a trophy with Argentina takes nothing away from Lionel Messi. His mind is made up on who’s the best footballer ever.
As sad as it gets, the trophies have always eluded this famous No. 10 anytime it comes within reach.
Argentina painfully lost 2016 Copa America finals in the U.S., to fellow South American rivals Chile, on penalties.
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