Pope Francis has revealed his favorite soccer player—and it isn't one from his home country of Argentina. During an interview with an Italian public TV station he was asked which Argentinean player he preferred—Maradona or Messi. But his answer was a late Brazilian player.
I will say a third: Pelé. Maradona, as a player, was great but as a man he failed, he slipped with the flattery of those who praised him and did not help him, poor fellow. Messi is most correct, a gentleman. But I prefer Pelé, a man of heart, he has great humanity. All three are still great.
The Pope said he met once with the late Brazilian star. Messi was also at the Vatican thanks to his involvement in the Pope's educational initiative called Scholas. The same happened with Maradona, who greeted the Pope very warmly.
DIEGO ARMANDO MARADONA
I was very moved after I hugged him. I felt proud to be an Argentinian. And of returning to the Church after being far from it after God took my mother. But today, I am happy to be once again with the Church, with Pope Francis and to play for peace
And second: who is better, Pelé or Maradona?
The Pope likes to joke with soccer players about who they are fans of. The former Brazilian player Ronaldinho tried to put him on the spot. But now the Pope has spoken out, albeit from a humanity point of view.
JRB
TR: AT
