Today's best photos: from a Messi fan to the Pope leaving hospital - in pictures

The National picks the most striking images from around the world

This aerial photo taken on June 2, 2023 shows Surya Wijaya Ang taking posing for a selfie next to his collection of football jerseys adorned with Argentine footballer Lionel Messi's name, in Banda Neira. Indonesian fans of Lionel Messi expressed dismay on June 16 after the football star pulled out of a friendly match, including a superfan taking a 12-hour boat and plane journey to the sell-out game who accused organisers of false advertising. (Photo by Surya Wijaya Ang / AFP)

A woman outside Byblos Bank during a protest demanding the release of depositors' trapped savings, in Beirut, Lebanon. AP

Palestinian artist Ayman Alhossary, 35, finishes artwork on the ruins of a house in Beit Lahia destroyed by Israeli air strikes during the May 2023 conflict in the Gaza Strip. AFP

A dog at Patron Pet Centre in Kyiv, where more than 100 cats and dogs are sheltered after being rescued in the Kherson region, where the Kakhovka dam breach caused flooding last week. AFP

A train adorned with Harry Potter characters at Nerima station near the theme park Warner Bros Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter, in Tokyo. AFP

Syrian survivor Mohammad, 18, who was rescued with others off Greece after their boat capsized, is reunited with his brother Fadi at the port of Kalamata in Greece. Reuters

Children boil corn on a street in Gaza City. AFP

The sun rises behind the Pyramids in Giza, on the outskirts of Cairo, Egypt. Reuters

Pope Francis leaves the Agostino Gemelli University Polyclinic in Rome, Italy, nine days after undergoing abdominal surgery. AP

More from The National:

Thursday's best photos: from dogs left behind to face a cyclone to a butterfly close up

Wednesday's best photos: from Berlusconi's funeral to Art Basel

Tuesday's best photos: from South Korean firefighters to migrants in France

Monday's best photos: from a tomato fight festival to two large inflatable ducks - in pictures

Sunday's best photos: from a flying priest in Italy to a jumping dance in Kenya

Saturday's best photos: from a butterfly art exhibition to a fisherman playing cricket