LIONEL MESSI, MARIO BALOTELLI SPOTTED WITH POPE FRANCIS

Balotelli was the only one of a group of top players to get a private word with Pope Francis.

It is understood that Pope Francis asked the football stars, including Lionel Messi, to remember their social responsibility – telling them "there is no place for individualism".

The Pontiff spoke to players from the Italy and Argentina national teams at the Vatican yesterday on the eve of a friendly match between the sides in Rome. He told them he was torn over who to support, saying: "It's going to be difficult for me, it's lucky it's a friendly match!" The 76-year-old, a lifelong fan of Argentine club San Lorenzo, called on the teams to make sure they used their popularity to give a good example to their fans.

The Pontiff noted the influence of athletes, especially on youth, and told the players to remember that, "for better or worse" they are role models. The Pope with Argentine superstar Lionel Messi

He joked with AC Milan striker Balotelli, who is often in the headlines for bad behaviour, saying: "Here in the Vatican, they tell me I'm undisciplined!"

The Pope also stressed the importance of "beauty, camaraderie and altruism" when playing football.

Argentine superstar Messi said at a news conference following the meeting that the Pontiff was right. "Respect for others and the opponent is the basis of everything, on the pitch as in life," he said.

The players presented the Pope with a shirt from each team with his name on it, a silver vase from the Argentinians and an olive tree from the Italians.

The Pope reminisced about going to soccer matches with his family as a youngster, and expressed concern about violence and discrimination in the sport, which he suggested keep many families from attending matches.