The late football legend Pele has been designated as Pope Francis’ favourite player.
At a World War II veterans’ memorial service, TV station TG1 asked Francis to select between the late Maradona and Messi.
In response, the 86-year-old said that Pele was his favourite player, citing the late Brazilian’s humility as the rationale.
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In response, Francis stated (via GOAL): “I would add a third, Pele.” I have adhered to these three.
“Each of the three is excellent; they each have a niche. Right now, Messi is playing well.
“Maradona failed as a man, poor thing, he slipped, and the people around him didn’t help him,” he continued. The first year [I was pontiff], he came to see me. His life ended in tragedy. Funny thing is, a lot of athletes fail, even boxers. It’s intriguing.
“Messi is absolutely right—he is a gentleman. Pele is the most gentlemanly of these three. He has an extremely large heart for a man. He is a very humane individual who I chatted with and met on a plane in Buenos Aires.
