Lionel Messi sends emotional tribute to the Pope following his death aged 88

• The Vatican announced the death of Pope Francis aged 88 on Easter Monday
• From Argentina, he was a fan of football and exchanged gifts with Messi in 2013
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By LEWIS BROWNING

Lionel Messi had paid tribute to Pope Francis following his death aged 88 on Monday.

Confirmed by the Vatican, the first-ever Latin American pontiff died at the age of 88 – with all football matches scheduled for Monday postponed as a mark of respect.

Hailing from Buenos Aires, Argentina, the Pope was a lifelong supporter of his local team, San Lorenzo, who play in the country’s top division.

He was also a supporter of Messi, who is widely regarded as one of the best players of all time and from Argentina too. The duo met in 2013 at the Vatican, during a private audience with the Pope. 

‘A distinguished Argentinian Pope,’ the Argentina star posted on Instagram alongside a photo of the two together. ‘RIP Pope Francis

‘Thank you for making the world a better place: we will miss you.’

Lionel Messi (right) has paid tribute to the Pope (centre) following news of his death aged 88

The Argentina star met his countryman in 2013, where they exchanged gifts

Messi wrote on Instagram: ‘Thank you for making the world a better place: we will miss you’

San Lorenzo also paid an emotional tribute to the Pope, posting on X: ‘He was never just one of us, but always one of us. Cuervo as a child and as a man… Cuervo as a priest and Cardinal… Cuervo as Pope too…

‘He always transmitted his passion for Ciclon: when he went to the Viejo Gasómetro to see the ’46 team, when he confirmed Angelito Correa in the Ciudad Deportiva chapel, when he received Barca visitors at the Vatican, always with total happiness… Member No. 88235.

‘From Jorge Mario Bergoglio to Francis, there was one thing that never changed: his love for the Cyclone.

‘Wrapped in deep sorrow, from #SanLorenzo today we say to Francis: Goodbye, thank you, and farewell! We will be together for eternity!’

Legendary football coach Jose Mourinho also offered a touching tribute to the late Pope, taking to Instagram to share a picture of Francis along with a message.

He wrote: ‘To be great, above all you need to know how to be small. Humility is the foundation to true greatness.

‘Pope Francisco [heart emoji] Hope is a light in the night. Grande Papa’.

After the announcement of Pope Francis’ passing, bells tolled in church towers across Rome. His death was read out by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican camerlengo, from the chapel of the Domus Santa Marta, where Francis lived.

Pope Francis met his fellow countryman and footballing legend Diego Maradona back in September 2014

His favourite club, San Lorenzo, posted an emotional tribute to the late Pope following the news

Jose Mourinho also posted a tribute to the late Pope onto his Instagram page on Monday

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‘At 7.35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church,’ he said.

‘He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalised.

‘With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite, merciful love of God, One and Tribune.’ 

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Lionel Messi sends emotional tribute to the Pope following his death aged 88

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