Lionel Messi is one of many top footballers wgo will play in a friendly as a tribute to the late great Diego Maradona.
Rome’s Stadio Olimpico will host the third edition of the ‘peace match’ in honor of Maradona with a star-studded team.
WePlayForPeace – a foundation created by Pope Francis – has announced that the game will take place in Italy a week before the World Cup on November 14.
Messi will take to the pitch alongside his former Barcelona teammates Ronaldinho, Luis Suarez, Ivan Rakitic and Dani Alves.
Meanwhile, fellow Argentinians Angel Di Maria and Maxi Rodriguez, who starred under Maradona in the 2010 World Cup, will also be in attendance.
And other footballing icons such as Pepe Reina and Gianluigi Buffon have also been invited to play as a tribute to the Napoli legend.
Roma boss Jose Mourinho is also believed to be involved in the game.
Commenting on the upcoming event, Messi spoke of his excitement at the opportunity to pay tribute to his childhood idol and former Argentina coach, and thanked the Pope for the invitation.
He said: “I’m grateful to have the opportunity to be here with the Pope and all these great players.
“It is important that each of us join in this call for peace.
“We can change things together.”
Paris Saint-Germain striker Messi hopes he is fully fit for the match as he is currently sidelined with a calf injury.
The 35-year-old took the hit against Benfica in the Champions League last week in Portugal where he scored in the 1-1 draw.
He then missed the Parisians’ 0-0 draw with Reims on Saturday as the French club dropped points in Ligue 1 for only the second time this season.
And the club announced on Monday that he will be absent for tonight’s crucial game against Benfica.
PSG currently top their group on goal difference ahead of Benfica, with both sides seven points clear of Juventus and Maccabi Haifa.
Messi has been in fine form this season having found the back of the net eight times in 13 outings in all competitions.
He has also provided eight assists for his teammates – the most of any Ligue 1 player this season.