Argentina Mourns Pope Francis, Football Matches Postponed

By: Gyang Dakwo

Argentina has postponed all football games on Monday to mourn the death of Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88. He died on Monday and was known for his deep love of football, especially for his favourite team, San Lorenzo, from Buenos Aires.

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) announced the decision and expressed sadness, saying, “Argentine football says goodbye to you wrapped in deep sorrow.” All matches will be delayed by a day, and a minute of silence will be held before games throughout the week.

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires in 1936, became the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church. He always showed a strong connection to the sport and often met with football stars, including Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona.

The AFA said, “Francis was not only a spiritual reference, but also a footballing one.” He shared his love for the game openly and remained a loyal supporter of San Lorenzo de Almagro all his life.

Lionel Messi, captain of the Argentina national team, shared a heartfelt message on Instagram. “A different pope, close to us, Argentinean,” wrote the Inter Miami star. “Pope Francis. Thank you for making the world a better place. We are going to miss you.”

In his memoir, Pope Francis recalled joking with Maradona about his famous “Hand of God” goal in the 1986 World Cup match against England. “I asked him, jokingly, ‘So, which is the guilty hand?'” he wrote.

Argentina is now saying farewell to a pope who was not only a religious leader but also a passionate football fan who touched the hearts of millions.