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.
Ailing Sinner knocked out in French Open second round by Cerundolo
Neymar out of Brazil friendlies and set to miss World Cup opener
Gucci to take over title sponsorship for F1's Alpine in 2027
Mateta fires Crystal Palace to Conference League crown
Swiatek, Djokovic make steady progress as Rybakina slips up
