Lionel Messi to Feature in Special Friendly Tribute Match to Honour Argentinian Legend Diego Maradona

• Lionel Messi will give fans in Rome a special treat ahead of the World Cup when he participates in a friendly game
• Diego Maradona is one of the greatest players in the history of the sport and will be honoured during the special match
• A host of footballing superstars and coach Jose Mourinho are expected to feature at a match organised by Pope Francis' foundation

All eyes will be on the World Cup in November, but there’s another reason to get excited.

A week before the global showpiece begins, a special friendly game will take place in Rome to pay tribute to the late great Argentinian legend, Diego Maradona.

Many big-name stars will gather for the third edition of the ‘Peace Match’ at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, including Argentinian superstar Lionel Messi.

The match is organised by WePlayForPeace, a foundation set up by Pope Francis, who also happens to be Argentinian, Get Football News France reported.

Adepoju reveals how Super Eagles can ease the pain of missing 2022 World Cup in Qatar

Football

Luis Suárez, Ivan Rakitić, Dani Alves, Ronaldinho, Gianluigi Buffon, Pepe Reina, Ángel Di María, and Maxi Rodríguez have also been invited to play in the special game, with reports indicating that Roma manager Jose Mourinho will also be present.

Speaking about the upcoming game, Messi touched on the importance of such a fixture:

“I am grateful to have the opportunity to be here with the Pope and all these great players. It is important that each of us joins this call for peace. We can change things together!”

Who was Diego Maradona?

Diego Armando Maradona was an Argentinian footballer who is considered to be one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. As noted by Transfermarkt, he played 90 games for Argentina and scored 34 goals.

Ghana coach Otto Addo does not expect tough competition from Nicaragua as compared to Brazil

Football

He also played in four FIFA World Cups and captained Argentina to victory in the 1986 edition of the tournament. He was named the best player of the tournament but he also made headlines for his controversial ‘hand of God’ goal against England.

Diego Maradona: Remembering the time the legend started a war on the pitch in 1984

Diego Maradona will be remembered for the many achievements he had on the football pitch in his illustrious playing career, Sports Brief earlier reported.

The late Argentine legend is also infamous for one of the most memorable football Royal Rumbles in history.

The year was 1984 in the Copa del Rey final between Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao and everything was at stake for both teams.