Less than 24 hours before the start of the 2026 World Cup, Pope Leo XIV published a message related to soccer that generated wide repercussions among fans.
“Football reminds us of something that we must not forget: life is not a race to show off on our own, but a path that we learn to travel together,” the Pontiff wrote from his official account @Pontifex_es.
“Those who do not know how to pass the ball, even if they have talent, have not yet understood the game. And those who do not know how to live with and for others, have not yet understood life,” he added.
The message was published during his visit to the church of San Agustín, in the Raval neighborhood, in Barcelona, before heading to the Sagrada Familia.
This is one of his public reflections on football on the eve of the first World Cup to be held since his election as pontiff, on May 8, 2025.
The publication accumulated millions of views on the night of June 10 and coincided with the expectation for the opening of the 2026 World Cup at the Mexico City Stadium, formerly the Azteca Stadium.
This June 11, the venue will host a World Cup opening match for the third time, after the 1970 and 1986 editions.
The message also generated numerous reactions on social networks, where it was interpreted as a reflection on collective play and the importance of thinking about others.
Leo XIV further reminded the faithful that “in addition to being kind and gentle, Christians must be compassionate, love selflessly, and seek the good of others.”
The pontiff is in Spain as part of a pastoral visit and has participated in various religious activities in recent days.