Lionel Messi, Mario Balotelli meet the Pope

To mark the occasion, Barcelona's Messi, a four-time FIFA Ballon d'Or winner, presented the pontiff with a plant he had grown himself. Unfortunately, Messi will miss Wednesday's match in the Stadio Olimpico through injury.

The Pope, who is reportedly a fan of the Saints of San Lorenzo team in his native Buenos Aires, called on the players to remember that they are role models to fans all over the world.

"Dear players, you are very popular," he said. "People follow you, and not just on the field but also off it."

He also asked the players to ensure modern football "does not lose its sporting nature."Members of the Italy squad were also on hand to meet His Holiness. In an image few would have imagined possible, AC Milan striker Balotelli, a cult figure among football fans for his cavalier attitude, shook the hand of Pope Francis before later posting the snap on Twitter.

Grazie PapaFrancesco.Grazie di cuore per quei5minuti.Thanks PopeFrancesco.Thanks with all my heart for those5minutes pic.twitter.com/ecXoPQ06vF
MARIO BALOTELLI@FINALLYMARIO·IL Y A 17 HEURES
On the subject of which team he will be supporting during the match, Pope Francis was diplomatic.

"It will be a bit difficult for me to cheer for one team," he said, "but fortunately it is just a friendly match and may it really be like that, I hope." Messi's Barcelona and Argentina teammate Javier Mascherano took to Twitter after the event.

Today we had the honour of being received by his Sanctity the Pope Francisco!!!! pic.twitter.com/jRV6w4GzwO
JAVIER MASCHERANO@MASCHERANO·IL Y A UN JOUR
Spare a thought for Sergio Aguero. Like Messi, the Manchester City striker is carrying an injury and was unable to join his Argentina teammates in the Vatican.

Source: CNN