Pope to World Cup: Overcome racism, greed in sport

Pope Francis has a message for the World Cup: Let football be a showcase for teamwork and solidarity, not an exhibition of racism and greed, The Associated Press reports. 

The Argentine-born, football-loving pope recorded a video message that will be broadcast on Brazilian television ahead of Thursday's opening match between Brazil and Croatia.

In it, Francis said football teaches three lessons that can promote peace and solidarity around the world: the need to train and work hard to reach goals, the importance of fair play and teamwork, and the need to respect and honor opponents.

"To win, we must overcome individualism, selfishness, all forms of racism, intolerance and manipulation of people," he said. He said being "greedy" in football, as in life, is an obstacle.

"Let nobody turn their back on society and feel excluded!" he said. "No to segregation! No to racism!"