Top soccer player, Lionel Messi and his fellow team mates on the Argentine soccer team enjoyed an unusual private audience with Pope Francis in the Vatican. Italy's national team players were present too. The soccer squads were in attendance to meet The Pope ahead of a friendly match in Rome. Francis, a supporter of the Buenos Aires team Saints of San Lorenzo, welcomed the national teams of his native Argentina as well as Italy.

The players presented Pope Francis a shirt from each team. The pontiff received a silver vase from the Argentines and an olive tree from the Italians. He also received a signed football.

The pope advised the soccer stars to stay out of the several antics attached to the game. "Football has become a business. Take care that it does not lose its sporting nature," he said. He urged the players to use their influence wisely because they are role models to many, adults and children alike. "Dear players, you are very popular," he said. "People follow you, and not just on the field but also off it. That's a responsibility." Pope Francis, the first Latin American-born pontiff, however, was subtle in saying that it would be difficult to side with one team out of both Argentina and Italy.

"Football has become a business - take care that it does not lose its sporting nature," said Francis, who often went to Football matches with his family as a child. Hopefully, he said, "we'll see families in the stands again."

Lionel Messi went on to say, "Respect for others and the opponent is the basis of everything, on the pitch as in life. We footballers, for our part, can spread [the Pope's] message and satisfy his request by always playing a beautiful game." He said the Pope's message of respect and humility was the right one.

According to the Associated Press, Italy's Mario Balotelli met with Pope Francis alone, the only player to do so. Balotelli, who is black and has been the target of fans' constant racism, spoke with the pope in a separate small room.

Argentina and Italy meet on Wednesday in Rome for a friendly match. However, Messi will have to miss the match owing to a leg injury.