Messi is and has remained a great player. He is seen and worship by many as a football diety probably due to his records and the ease with which he plays.
As a A five-time Ballon d’Or winner, he has done well for himself. However, Pope Francis believes that calling a mortal a god is being extreme.
Pope Francis said: “In theory, it's a sacrilege.
“You can't say it and I don't believe it. I think people say ‘he is God’ just as they say ‘I adore you’. You have to adore only God.
“It's expressions that people use. This is a god with the ball on the pitch. It's a popular way that people have of expressing themselves.
“Of course, it is a joy [to watch Messi play]. But he is not God.”
The Pope is to far football. He is a member of Argentinian side San Lorenzo.