Football anecdote no. 9

The cardinal informs the pope: “Holy Father! The Jewish Church is challenging us to a football match!” “Well, it wouldn’t be right to lose,” the pope replies thoughtfully. “But the team should definitely be strengthened. Let’s hire Messi!” “But Holy Father, according to the agreement, only clergymen can participate in the game.” “No problem!” the pope remains calm. “I will ordain him as a clergyman and he will already be a cardinal on the day of the game.” Messi is indeed ordained as a clergyman and the game takes place on the appointed day. After the match, the pope is informed: “Holy Father! Unfortunately, we lost.” “How so?!” exclaims the astonished and annoyed pope. “So His Eminence, Mr. Cardinal Messi didn’t play as we expected?” “On the contrary, he gave his all. But Chief Rabbi Ronaldo was better…”