messi

'It was God who made me play like this' - the Christian faith of Lionel Messi

Source: Reuters

When it comes to football, it takes little to irritate me — and this World Cup has been no different.

Prior to the tournament, I lost count of the times someone said: “Lionel Messi deserves to win this World Cup.” It grated on me, because it implied that he had a divine right to walk away with the trophy, just because of his prior achievements in the game.

But then Sunday’s final neared and, as people asked who’d I’d like to win, I replied: “Argentina, because Messi deserves it.” Yes, I’m big fat hypocrite (and also a bit salty because of France’s victory over England)…

This article appeared on the Premier Christianity Blog in December 2022. To read the full piece please click here.

From Messi to Neymar: 7 World Cup footballers with a Christian faith

There is a huge amount not to like about this World Cup – and for very good reason. But with the tournament now underway, it has been nice to focus a bit more on the football and, with it, the small and unexpected moments of joy, including some lovely public declarations of faith…

This article appeared on the Premier Christianity Blog in December 2022. To read the full piece please click here.