LIONEL Messi has paid a moving tribute to former Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella after he died in hospital on Tuesday.
Former Sheffield United and Leeds star Sabella made Messi his captain after he took charge of the national team in August 2011.
Lionel Messi has paid tribute to the late Alejandro SabellaCredit: EPA
The Barcelona captain reached the 2014 World Cup final when Sabella was Argentina manager
He coached Argentina to the 2014 World Cup final against Germany where they lost 1-0 in extra time.
It was the first time the country had advanced beyond the quarter-finals since 1990 when they also made the final and lost to West Germany.
Messi, who saw Cristiano Ronaldo score twice last night as Juventus thrashed Barcelona at the Nou Camp, wrote on social media alongside a photo of him hugging his former coach: “It was a pleasure to share so much with you.
“Alejandro was a great person, as well as being a brilliant professional who left his mark on my career and whom I learnt a lot from.
“We shared some of my best footballing memories during the World Cup qualifying phase and at the World Cup.
“My condolences to his family and friends.”
Sabella, who managed his home nation until July 2014, was rushed to a specialist hospital nearly a fortnight ago after suffering fluid retention in his legs linked to heart problems.
The 66-year-old Argentinian was admitted to intensive care after his health worsened when he picked up a virus in hospital.
Alejandro was a great person, as well as being a brilliant professional who left his mark on my career and whom I learnt a lot from
Lionel Messi
He was being cared for at the Buenos Aires Cardiovascular Institute.
Hospital bosses at the Buenos Aires Cardiovascular Institute confirmed yesterday the 66-year-old had passed away at 6.30pm.
The player-turned manager began his career with River Plate before moving to England in 1978 to play for Sheffield United and then Leeds.
He was known in England as Alex.
Sheffield United turned to Sabella after deciding original target Diego Maradona was too expensive.
Sabella joined Sheffield United for £160,000 in 1978
He was sold to Leeds for £400,000
They signed him for £160,000 on July 19, 1978 and he made his debut for the Blades a month later, going on to score eight league goals in 76 appearances.
He was sold to Leeds for £400,000 after turning down a move to Sunderland following Sheffield’s relegation. He scored two goals from 23 appearances with his new team.
He played for several sides including Estudiantes and Gremio after returning to South America.
Sabella underwent surgery for heart problems in 2015 and was hospitalised the following year because of health problems.
He was admitted to hospital on November 25 after falling ill at home.
Reports at the time said he had been badly affected by the death of Diego Maradona the same day.
In 2018 during an official act in recognition of his career at the University of La Plata, he said: “When I was fighting to see if I remained here or went over to the other side, I would recall telling my players they couldn’t give less than 100 per cent.
“If I asked that of them, I had to battle to stay alive.”
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
