|
|
Extra Time: Messi given divine blessing
Mar 14, 2013 12:35:00 PM
The Barcelona forward's newest follower comes in the form of the newly-appointed leader of the Catholic Church, who has been revealed to hold "fondness" for his fellow Argentine
| Bet: | Returns: | Espanyol £55.00 | Draw £44.00 | Barcelona £15.50 |
|
| Bet: | Returns: | Espanyol £55.00 | Draw £37.50 | Barcelona £16.20 |
|
| Bet: | Returns: | Espanyol £55.00 | Draw £40.00 | Barcelona £16.15 |
|
| Bet: | Returns: | Espanyol £55.00 | Draw £41.00 | Barcelona £15.70 |
|
| Bet: | Returns: | Espanyol £55.00 | Draw £40.00 | Barcelona £15.70 |
|
When you think of Lionel Messi's achievements on a football pitch, his haul of titles with Barcelona and Ballon d'Or trophies spring to mind - but he has now been given the holy seal of approval.
The president of the Episcopal Conference and Archbishop of Tarragona, Jaume Pujol, expressed his delight at the election of Argentine cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, who succeeded Benedict XVI as Pope Francis of the Catholic Church on Wednesday.
However, he also revealed the identity of the 25-year-old's latest fan - none other than the 266th papal appointment!
"It is a joy that the new Pope is a Latin American. [The Pope] is also fond of [Lionel] Messi," Pujol told TV3.
Meanwhile, Inter captain Javier Zanetti - a devout Roman Catholic - spoke of the "emotional" experience in seeing his fellow compatriot take up the mantle of Pope.
"I must admit I feel very emotional right now. I think my whole country feels this way," he told his club's official website.
"I don't have the pleasure of knowing him personally, but he is someone that has lived in Buenos Aires. He's very humble and has always been very close to the people.
"Faith is very important in the world we live in and we will always be behind him. I had the pleasure of meeting Pope Benedict XVI and now I hope I can get the chance to meet the new Pope, who is also my compatriot.
"It'd be a very emotional thing for me and my family. I wish him all the best."
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up to Paddy Power for £250 in free bets |
|
| Sign up today with Coral and get a £50 FREE bet - no strings attached! |
|
| Sign up today with BetVictor and get a £25 FREE BET! |
|
Related Stories
Make Your Prediction
Espanyol - FC Barcelona
Espanyol
FC Barcelona
Prediction Submitted
Most Popular Predictions
-
Espanyol 1-3 FC Barcelona
- 18 %
-
Espanyol 0-3 FC Barcelona
- 9.75 %
-
Espanyol 1-2 FC Barcelona
- 7.9 %
Inside Goal.Com
-
Top 10 all-time Champions League scorers
As the competition moves within days of its much-anticipated conclusion at Wembley, Goal profiles the most prolific players in its history
-
'Mario, you will never redeem yourself'
Mario Gotze's injury means the playmaker has now played his final game for Borussia Dortmund. In an open letter, a fan tells of his emotion at his controversial switch to Bayern
-
BVB's rise from the abyss to European contenders
BVB have recovered from teetering on the edge of bankruptcy to take their place on Europe's grandest stage, humbling their opponents on Saturday, Bayern Munich, along the way
-
Transfer Talk: Mourinho wants Isco at Chelsea
Get your daily dose of all the speculation from around the globe as clubs cast their eye towards summer reinforcements
-
Top 10 Champions League Final Moments
As Europe braces itself for an all German classic at Wembley on Saturday, Goal.com takes a look back at some of the iconic moments in the history of Uefa's showpiece event since its rebranding in 1992.
