Pope Francis, a football fan like most Argentines, was all smiles when Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham presented him with a Manchester United shirt signed by his compatriot Lisandro Martinez during a visit to the Vatican.
The Pope received the Argentina and United defender's glass-framed number six jersey with the message "Your holiness, with much love, Licha", United said on their website, in a private audience with a delegation of Manchester's religious leaders.
"I think @Pontifex particularly appreciated this gift, presented by @AndyBurnhamGM and the Lord Mayor," tweeted British Ambassador to the Holy See Chris Trott.
Pope Francis, who was also presented with a Manchester City shirt, was given a signed Lionel Messi shirt by then French Prime Minister Jean Castex in 2021.
World Cup winner Martinez suffered a foot injury last week and will miss the rest of the season.
Dubai to spotlight future of sport at World Sports Summit
Safeguarding rules bar 15-year-old Sooryavanshi from Indian dressing room
Top contender Sabalenka faces fresh scrutiny at Wimbledon as mental scars linger
Munoz strike sends Colombia into World Cup Round of 32
Qatar's sports minister, Madibo visit Canada's injured Kone
