Lionel Messi Explains Why He Doesn't Like Being Called 'God' By Fans

Lionel Messi says he doesn't like being called 'God' by adoring fans.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner is often given holy nicknames for his magical abilities on the pitch but the Messi isn't particularly fond of it.

"I'm not worried by it, but it's true that I don't like it," he said in a wide-ranging interview with RAC1, as per Barca Blaugranes.

"It's nice to be praised because people are being respectful. They don't say it with any ill intent, but actually, with the complete opposite. But I think it's very exaggerated to call me that."

Messi gets called 'the god of football' on a fairly regularly basis and his four-year old son might end up jumping on the bandwagon.

"Because of my sons, the age they have, they hear things and they copy them," Messi added.

"My son, Mateo, calls me 'Leo Messi," [he'll say,] 'let's go Leo Messi!'"

Earlier this year, a journalist sought clarification from Pope Francis as to whether Messi is in fact God and it resulted in a quite hilariously brilliant exchange.

Speaking to Jordi Évole on laSexta's Salvados, translated by Marca, the 82-year-old head of the Catholic Church was asked if it was sacrilegious to call Messi a God.

Jordi Évole: "You know when both. Is it sacrilege to say the Messi is God?"

Pope Francis: "In theory, it is sacrilege. You can't say it and I don't believe it. Do you believe it?"

JÉ: "I do."

PF: "I don't [laughs]. People can say he is God, just as they may say 'I adore you,' but only God can be worshipped. Those are expressions from people. 'This is a God with the ball on the field' is a popular way for someone to express themselves."

JÉ: "But he plays well doesn't he?"

PF: "Of course, he is very good, but he isn't God."

The Pope met Messi at the Vatican in 2013 when the Argentina captain was on international duty and three years later he went on record to state that the Barcelona superstar is the GOAT.

When asked who was better out of Maradona and Pelé, the Catholic Herald say his response was "For me, Messi."

Topics: Football News, FC Barcelona, Football, Barcelona, Messi, Lionel Messi

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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