The Pope has said that it is not sacrilegious to call Lionel Messi 'God' - though theoretically it could be construed as blasphemy.

Pope Francis, a keen football fan and a member of San Lorenzo in his native Argentina, was asked the rather unusual question in a Spanish television interview this weekend with La Sexta. His response was considered and witty, in-keeping with the progressive mindset that has seen the 82-year-old pontiff gain popularity around the world.

Messi is arguably the only Argentine better-known than Papa Francisco, and journalist Jordi Evole asked his most holy interviewee whether it was sacrilege to refer to the FC Barcelona forward as 'God' - considering he knew both of those concerned.

"In theory, it is sacrilege," the Pope responded. "You can’t say it.

"But I don’t believe it," he added, before asking Evole's thoughts, with the journalist replying simply: "I do."

Lionel Messi's best Ballon d'Or outfits Show all 5 1 /5 Lionel Messi's best Ballon d'Or outfits Lionel Messi's best Ballon d'Or outfits Ballon d'Or 2009-10 The dry years. There once was a time, a long time ago, when Lionel Messi wore conservative, moderate suits. Back in those dystopian times, the Argentinian superstar often elected to wear black as he conquered the footballing world, leaving the likes of previous winners Ronaldinho, Fabio Cannavaro and Kaka to a bygone era. Getty Lionel Messi's best Ballon d'Or outfits Ballon d'Or 2011 The world was given one of its first glimpses into the wonderful and labyrinthine wardrobe of Messi a year later. Having previously only seen the Argentinian in Barcelona tracksuits or traditional garb, this 2011 number was just the start of the forward’s reign of terror over the fashion world. Getty Lionel Messi's best Ballon d'Or outfits Ballon d'Or 2012 12 months later and Messi was ready to up his game even further. 2012 was the year of the polka dot as the Barcelona superstar made headlines around the globe again. Winning the award for the second successive year, Barca’s main man celebrated the occasion with a dark navy and white three-piece suit. Getty Lionel Messi's best Ballon d'Or outfits Ballon d'Or 2013 Peak Messi. It was only a few weeks since Christmas and the Argentina international clearly was still in the festive mood. Treating his adoring fans to a shimmering burgundy suit, members of the press on the red carpet had to shield their eyes as Messi strode to defeat, falling behind Cristiano Ronaldo. Getty Lionel Messi's best Ballon d'Or outfits Ballon d'Or 2014 Perhaps Leo’s most moderate effort since 2009, last year’s offering seemed a compromise for those who don’t appreciate his trend-setting ways. Again sporting a bow-tie, the Argentine superstar opted for purple as his colour of choice. One wonders if he randomly selects his palette with his eyes closed. Getty

"I don’t," laughed the Pope.

"People can say he is God, just as they may say “I adore you”, but only God can be worshipped. Those are just things people say.

“He is a God with the ball on the field” is a popular way for someone to express themselves.

"Of course, he is very good, but he isn’t God."

The Pope made headlines this week when he appeared reluctant for a number of worshippers to kiss his ring.

The Pope really doesn't seem keen on people kissing his Papal ring