The Church of Maradona: Messi is our living hope

Lionel Messi makes his first visit to Naples this week, taking his Barcelona side to Diego Maradona's holy land.

Among those in attendance will be the faithful members of the Church of Diego Maradona.

Messi's appearance at the Stadio San Paolo will be something special for the members of the Church, and one of their founders, Hernan Amez, says that it will "allow Messi to know the true love of a support who give everything," and that "Barcelona owe Messi something similar."

"Messi can take the Argentinian people to the streets, just as Maradona did," he added.

"Messi is the living hope of the Church of Maradona."

The Church are clear about what they consider to be a sin: not loving football, and that their faith is untouchable, saying "nobody abandons Diego."

The Church, which has parishioners all over the world, have their own 10 commandments.

1. The ball is never soiled.

2. Love football above all else.

3. Declare unconditional love for Diego and the beauty of football.

4. Defend the Argentina shirt.

5. Spread the news of Diego's miracles throughout the universe.

6. Honour the temples where he played and his sacred shirts.

7. Don't proclaim Diego as a member of any single team.

8. Preach and spread the principles of the Church of Maradona.

9. Make Diego your middle name.

10. Name your first son Diego.

"We never think about changing them," Amez said of the commandments.

"Maybe in the future we can add more."

It's obligatory to mention Diego's masterpiece against England in 1986, as well.

"I watch both goals against England on a daily basis.

"They make you love Maradona so much."