Barcelona Argentine Pope declares admiration for compatriot

Pope Francis didn't evade giving an answer on who he thinks the best player in football history is, backing his countryman Lionel Messi as the greatest to ever play the game.

Well known for his support for Argentinian club San Lorenzo, the current Pope picked Messi over the likes of Diego Maradona and Pele.

"For me, [Lionel] Messi is better than Maradona and Pele," the head of Church said, comfortable giving a third answer instead of one of the usual two.

Given his long history of love for the sport and his professed fandom, Pope Francis' words hold a certain weight, his good grace and backing given to a player already known for the divine.