Messi is better than Pele and Maradona, says Pope Francis

By published

Pope Francis was not shy when quizzed on football's greatest player.

Five-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi has been proclaimed the best ever footballer by Pope Francis.

Barcelona and Argentina's all-time leading goalscorer, Messi has constantly been compared to past greats Pele and Diego Maradona, while going head-to-head with Real Madrid rival Cristiano Ronaldo.

But Pope Francis – the leader of the Catholic Church and a renowned San Lorenzo supporter – threw his support behind countryman Messi.

"For me, [Lionel] Messi is better than Maradona and Pele," Pope Francis was quoted as telling young men and women participating in World Youth Day.