Mario Balotelli and his Italy team-mates along with the Argentina’s 22-man squad met Pope Francis ahead of their friendly on Wednesday.
The game which will be held at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico is in honour of the Pope who is an Argentine.
Pope Francis at the meeting in the Vatican advised the players around reminding them of their responsibilities. Speaking in a mixture of Italian and Spanish, he said:
“You, dear players are very popular. People follow you closely not only when you are on the pitch but off it as well. This is a social responsibility.
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Balotelli had earlier said his conversation with the Pope would remain between them. Lionel Messi was at the meeting but it is not yet known whether the World Player of the Year will take part in tomorrow’s game after he was said to be injured for Barcelona’s last pre-season game.
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