On Saturday, a life-size statue, images, and homages to Pope Francis were prominently displayed throughout the Pedro Bidegain stadium in Buenos Aires as his cherished San Lorenzo de Almagro soccer team played for the first time following the pontiff\'s passing.

While Francis never returned to Argentina as pope, a life-size statue of him wearing a scarf adorned with the team\'s colors, blue and red, around his neck overlooked the match against Rosario Central from the sidelines.

The players donned jerseys featuring images of the late Pope, accompanied by the phrase \'Together for Eternity,\' in a tribute to Francis\' enduring and profound passion for the team, evident throughout his life and 12-year papacy.

Jorge Bergoglio\'s ardor for the celebrated Argentine club was bequeathed to him by his father and remained steadfast. \"I hope San Lorenzo wins,\" Bergoglio declared shortly after his election in 2013, as part of a series of wishes for his country of origin.

As Vatican leader, Francis was conferred honorary membership of San Lorenzo and welcomed multiple club delegations, including a visit following the club\'s Copa Libertadores win in 2014, whereupon the trophy was presented to the Catholic leader.

The game concluded with Enzo Copetti\'s 91st-minute lone goal, securing a 1-0 victory for Rosario Central, the Pope\'s hometown team.