The 2026 FIFA World Cup draws to a close on Sunday, July 19, as defending champions Argentina take on Spain in the final.
In a world where expressions of faith and religion are often muted, or treated as somewhat of an odd curiosity, the World Cup has proven different. Nearly every game, players can be seen pointing to the sky in thanksgiving, dropping to their knees in gratitude, or outright declaring their appreciation of what God has done in their lives.
Sunday’s match should be no different, as members of both Argentina and Spain have been vocal about their Catholic faith, on and off the pitch.
Here are some Catholic players to watch:
(The entirety of Argentina's squad identify as Catholic, so the Catholic Herald has selected a few of the team's most outspoken or notable players.)
Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, has spoken publicly about his Catholic faith. After scoring against Austria to become the all-time leading goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history, Messi made the sign of the cross on the pitch.
“I can't ask for anything more; God gave me too much, now everything is just for enjoying,” Messi said after scoring three goals against Algeria to equal the tournament's goalscoring record.
Before the tournament began, Messi's boots were blessed by a priest at the Basilica of Our Lady of Luján in Buenos Aires.
Lautaro Martínez (Argentina)
The Argentine striker keeps an image of Our Lady of Luján, the patroness of Argentina, inside his shin guard.
Ferran Torres (Spain)
In a video shared by the Spanish national team, Torres discussed his Catholic faith. He said he always carries a cross and an image of the Virgin Mary, explaining that they “give me a lot of support, give me a lot of faith”.
“For me, it's very important,” he said.
Emiliano Martínez (Argentina)
The goalkeeper, nicknamed “Dibu”, shared a video showing a statue of Our Lady of Luján in the Argentina dressing room during the team's training camp. After reaching the World Cup final, Martínez thanked his family for the sacrifices they had made to help him achieve his career.
Fabián Ruiz (Spain)
Ruiz, who once described himself as “proud to be Spanish, Catholic and taurino”, meaning a supporter of bullfighting, has incorporated his faith into his pre-match routine. A 2023 article described how he wears a St Benedict bracelet, prays several Our Fathers before matches and makes the sign of the cross as he steps onto the pitch.
Bonus: Luis de la Fuente (Spain)
Spain's manager has spoken openly about his Catholic faith and has not shied away from discussing prayer and God during the World Cup. De la Fuente has said that he does not pray for victory, but instead gives thanks to God for his health and life.
Regardless of what happens on the pitch on Sunday, it is important to remember Pope Leo XIV’s message about sport.
“Soccer reminds us of something we must not forget: life is not a race to show off on our own, but a path we learn to walk together. Anyone who does not know how to pass the ball, even if they have talent, has not yet understood the game. Anyone who does not know how to live with and for others has not yet understood life.”
