BUENOS AIRES: Barcelona star Lionel Messi will be part of an Argentina squad to face Italy in a friendly in Rome next month to be watched by Pope Francis, coach Alejandro Sabella announced on Tuesday.
The four-time World Player of the Year is among the 22-strong squad picked by Sabella on Tuesday night to play in the match on August 14.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, is the former Archbishop of Buenos Aires and a lifelong supporter of Argentinian top flight club San Lorenzo.
Francis, was elected as the Pope in March this year. AFP
