LIONEL MESSI paid an emotional tribute to a man who had a huge impact on his stellar career.
Messi, 38, is arguably the greatest footballer of all time.
Lionel Messi paid tribute to Omar Souto, right, who died aged 73Credit: INSTAGRAM @leomessi
Souto was by Messi’s side when Argentina won the World CupCredit: INSTAGRAM @leomessi
His 45 trophies for club and country include four Champions Leagues, two Copa Americas, Olympic gold and, .
The Argentine legend also boasts a .
But a large part of his success was down to Omar Souto, who has passed away aged 73.
Souto spent more than three decades working for the Argentine FA.
And he was responsible for calling a teenage up to the country’s Under-20s team for his debut in 2004, with the forward also eligible for Spain.
It is understood he was the first employee of the AFA to contact Messi about representing .
Souto managed to get hold of Messi’s dad via an uncle and grandmother through a contact in his hometown Rosario.
Although he did manage to make amends for an early blunder, originally thinking his ‘Leo’ nickname was short for Leonardo rather than Lionel.
Messi was convinced, though, and it proved a masterstroke – the ex-Barcelona forward has now racked up a .
And Messi took to Instagram with three snaps from international duty alongside Souto to pay tribute to a father figure in the AFA set-up, who had been battling illness in recent years.
He wrote: “You were always there and you were the person who paved the way for the AFA to spot me.
“A huge human being, impossible to forget for all of us who had the privilege of passing through the National Team.
“Your imprint stays forever.
“We will never forget you, Omar.
“May you rest in peace.”
Both of Messi’s teams – Argentina and – commented with hearts on the post, which had more than 4million likes within six hours.
The AFA also posted: “With great sorrow and sadness, the Argentine Football Association announces the passing of Omar Souto, the historic manager of Argentina’s national teams.
“Simply thank you, Omar.
“Thank you for your solidarity, your unparalleled commitment to the Albiceleste and for being a true role model.”
Julian Alvarez, Rodrigo De Paul and Leandro Paredes were among the other Argentine internationals to post tributes on social media.
Souto convinced Messi to play for ArgentinaCredit: INSTAGRAM @leomessi
Messi could have represented Spain after moving to Barcelona as a childCredit: AFP
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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