The sports world mourned the death of Pope Francis this Monday. He passed away at the age of 88. As Rafa Nadal put it, it was a “sad day”. The Spanish tennis legend was one of many to pay tribute to the pontiff, highlighting his sincerity and deep love for sports—especially football.

From FIFA president Gianni Infantino, to football clubs in Argentina and Italy, and even members of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning squad, all remembered Jorge Mario Bergoglio for his genuine passion for the game. But beyond his general enthusiasm for sports, what truly stood out about Francis in the football world was his unwavering love for San Lorenzo de Almagro, the club that honored him with a heartfelt tribute on social media.

Messi, Dybala, and Argentina’s emotional farewell

Lionel Messi, captain of the Argentina national team, posted on Instagram: "You made the world a better place. We’re going to miss you." He added a farewell message: "A different kind of Pope, one who was close, Argentine... Rest in peace, Pope Francis."

His teammate from the 2022 World Cup, Paulo Dybala, also shared a few words. Speaking at a Laureus event in Madrid, where a moment of silence was observed, the Roma striker said: "His love for football made him even greater. This is a huge loss on every level."

The most touching message came from San Lorenzo, the Pope’s beloved club, which posted on X: "He was never just one of many—he was always one of us. A Cuervo as a child and as a man… A Cuervo as a priest and Cardinal… A Cuervo even as Pope..." Francis was member number 88,235 of the club, which was founded in 1908 by Father Lorenzo Massa.

The AFA (Argentine Football Association) suspended all matches scheduled for the day in mourning and shared a long tribute, calling the Pope "not just a spiritual leader, but a football icon too." They also noted that San Lorenzo’s only Copa Libertadores title, in 2014, came just after Bergoglio became Pope in 2013.

Global tributes: from Infantino to Nadal

Clubs like Boca Juniors, River Plate, Racing Club, and European giants like Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Atlético de Madrid, all posted messages of condolence on their social media accounts.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino said he was “deeply saddened” by the news, and remembered the times he met the Pope: “He always shared his love for football and called it the most beautiful sport in the world.” He added that Francis saw football as “a positive and unifying force across the globe.”

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin described him as “a beacon of hope for humanity” and mourned the loss of “a powerful voice who always stood up for the poor, the humble, and the vulnerable.” From CONMEBOL, president Alejandro Domínguez paid tribute to the Pope’s humility, “his tireless calls for peace, and his passion for football,” saying these values will live on in the world’s memory.

The tennis world also joined in the mourning. Rafa Nadal, who retired last year, wrote on social media: “I’d like to express my deepest condolences on the passing of Pope Francis. May he rest in peace.”