During an interview aired on Rai 1, Pope Francis weighed in on the debate about football legends, saying that while Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona are extraordinary talents, the conversation should also honor the enduring impact of Brazilian icon Pele. He described Maradona as a player of rare brilliance, yet questioned how far that brilliance extended as a person. Messi, in the pope’s view, is a gentleman on the field and off it, but Pele stands out as the most complete figure among the three in terms of heart and character. The 86-year-old pope, a lifelong football aficionado, summed up his stance by calling Pele a man of the heart and a model of humility and warmth in the game.
In late October, Messi added another milestone to a storied career by securing the Ballon d’Or, his eighth award, underscoring his status as one of the game’s most enduring greats. The recognition came after a season that further cemented his legacy on the international stage and at club level.
Messi had already achieved global glory by leading Argentina to world championship triumph in December 2022, a historic moment that elevated him to even greater heights in the eyes of fans and critics alike. The forward’s career then took a new turn in the summer of 2023, when he moved to Inter Miami after two seasons with Paris Saint-Germain, a transition that sparked vibrant discussions about the growth of MLS and the appeal of American football destinations for world-class players. In Miami, Messi continued to demonstrate his influence, contributing to competitive campaigns and helping to raise the profile of the league across the Americas. On August 20, he celebrated a first major trophy in the United States, the League Cup, a trophy that added another chapter to his already expansive trophy case. Through 14 appearances for Inter Miami during that period, Messi accumulated 11 goals and 5 assists, illustrating his sustained effectiveness and creative impact for his new club.
There were notable moments off the field as well. Reports mentioned a tense exchange during the Ballon d’Or ceremony in which Messi declined a request from Barcelona president Joan Laporta for a group photograph, a scene that sparked discussion about club loyalties, player autonomy, and the ceremonial aspects of the sport. These episodes reflect how the paths of Messi, Maradona, and Pele continue to intersect with broader narratives about leadership, fame, and the responsibilities of star status in football. The reactions from fans and analysts alike illustrate how Messi’s career remains under intense public scrutiny even as he adds new chapters to his celebrated journey. Attribution: contemporary football coverage and official event records