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.
UK looks set to host 2035 Women's World Cup
Liverpool restore 12-point lead as Jota seals win over Everton
Barcelona beat Atletico to set up cup final against Real Madrid
Mourinho grabs rival manager's nose after Turkish Cup defeat
Siraj, Buttler guide Gujarat to easy IPL win over Bengaluru
