Messi and his colleagues in the national team such as Sergio Aguero and Javier Mascherano also paid tribute to the former coach.
Lionel Messi paid tribute to Alejandro Sabella, with he praising the former Argentina coach for putting on his best football play in preparation for and during the 2014 World Cup finals.
Sabella, 66, died in hospital on Tuesday afternoon Argentina time after nearly two weeks of battling the effects of an acute heart condition, which was exacerbated by infections during her treatment.
As a player on teams such as River Plate, Sheffield United, Leeds United and Estudiantes and later plunging into the world of coaching, the Buenos Aires native has become one of Argentina’s most respected figures thanks to his tactical prowess and unassuming personality.
Apart from his travels in England at two Yorkshire clubs in the late 1970s and early 1980s, Sabella is best known outside of his home country for bringing in Messi and Albiceleste very close to their third World Cup title in Brazil six years ago.
The former Estudiantes coach made Messi captain in 2011 and his conviction was rewarded with some of the player’s best performances on the international stage, until Argentina fought in the final against Germany.
As for Mario Gotze’s extra-time goal put an end to Argentina’s dreams, while Sabella has already promised to resign from his post before the final no matter the outcome.
Hearing the news of Sabella’s death, Messi passed Instagram personally stated: “It’s great to be able to share so many things with you.
“Alejandro is a great person, in addition he is a professional model who shaped my career and helped me learn a lot from him.
“We share many of my favorite memories in football during the World Cup qualifiers and the World Cup itself. My condolences to all of his family and friends.”
Messi’s 2014 World Cup colleagues such as Sergio Aguero and Javier Mascherano also sent messages of mourning, with the Manchester City striker writing in Twitter: “So sad. Thank you for all the trust you have in us.
“Because [Anda] know how to motivate us and convey all your wisdom. You are more than a coach, thank you maestro, thank you Sabella. “
Mascherano, who earlier this year ended his career at Estudiantes, added on Twitter: “I thank life for bringing us together. Fly high, maestro.”
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