Pope Francis has warned football fans all over the world against referring to Argentine footballer Lionel Messi as ‘God.’
Speaking during an interview on Spanish television show Salvados on La Sexta, the Pontiff stated that it is wrong to compare a mortal to God.
"In theory, it is sacrilege. It shouldn't be said. I do not believe it. People could call him God, just as they might say 'I adore you', but only God can be worshipped.
“He's a god with the ball on the pitch' is a popular way to express yourself,” he said.
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The Head of the Catholic Church further added, “He's great to watch - but he's not God."
Messi has broken records over the years and many football fans consider him one of the greatest, if not the greatest footballer of all-time.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner may not seem human to some but the Pope holds a different opinion.
Interestingly, the Pontiff is a huge football fan as he is a member at Argentinian side San Lorenzo.
He was born in Buenos Aires and has mingled with football stars all over the world.
Messi currently sits top of the La Liga scoring chart with 31 goals and his team might bag a treble this season considering Barcelona is in the final of the Copa Del Rey, the quarters of the Champions league and are ten points ahead of Atletico Madrid in the league.
