^

Sports

Messi vs. Balotelli for the pope in a friendly

The Philippine Star

ROME — Lionel Messi's Argentina will face Mario Balotelli's Italy in a friendly dedicated to Pope Francis.

After months of talks, the Italian Football Federation announced Thursday that the match will be held Aug. 14 at Rome's Stadio Olimpico.

The federation also says that both squads will have audiences with the pope at the Vatican.

Pope Francis is an acknowledged football fan and is from Argentina.

Italy's last match with Argentina was also a friendly in Rome, in 2001, which Argentina won 2-1.

Before that, Diego Maradona's Argentina knocked host Italy out of the 1990 World Cup on penalties in a memorable semifinal match in Naples.

ARGENTINA

DIEGO MARADONA

ITALIAN FOOTBALL FEDERATION

ITALY

LIONEL MESSI

MARIO BALOTELLI

MATCH

POPE

POPE FRANCIS

STADIO OLIMPICO

WORLD CUP

  • Latest
  • Trending
Latest
Latest
abtest
Are you sure you want to log out?
X
Login

Philstar.com is one of the most vibrant, opinionated, discerning communities of readers on cyberspace. With your meaningful insights, help shape the stories that can shape the country. Sign up now!

Get Updated:

Signup for the News Round now

FORGOT PASSWORD?
SIGN IN
or sign in with