Former River Plate forward Ariel Medri is receiving medical care and rehabilitation at the Samco Hospital in Maggiolo, Santa Fe, as he continues his battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), according to reports from Infobae. Diagnosed with the degenerative condition in 2020, the 59-year-old former professional athlete has lost his ability to speak and now communicates primarily through writing when his hands permit, following a career that spanned youth ranks, years of work, and a brief appearance in football.
The Reality of a Fleeting Debut at River Plate
Long before his health struggles, Medri had a brief appearance for River Plate. Emerging from the club’s youth and reserve setups, where he shared a pitch with Claudio Caniggia and Pipo Gorosito, Medri scored goals, including one against Boca Juniors in a packed reserve fixture. His official senior debut arrived during the final match of Bambino Veira’s tenure as DT. Intended to start, Medri dropped to the bench after a teammate returned unexpectedly. He entered the match for 90 seconds, touched the ball a single time, and stepped off the pitch—securing a record as the player with the fewest minutes in the history of River.
Transition to Life Outside Professional Football
After hanging up his boots at age 34 following a stint with Arias FC in Córdoba, Medri built a life far removed from elite stadiums. Records and interviews highlighted by Infobae show that he spent years balancing local football coaching with administrative tasks and labor. From 2011 until January 30, 2024, Medri worked as a toll booth cashier at kilometer 381 along Ruta 8. To help cover ongoing medical expenses tied to his ALS treatment, the former striker recently placed the vehicle he used for his daily commute to the toll booth up for sale.
Support From Former Teammates and Family
While managing his treatment and transfer between local facilities and the Sanatorio Británico in Rosario—located roughly 220 kilometers from his hometown—Medri has drawn strength from his family and former peers. Several of his former River Plate teammates send financial assistance via bank transfers, contributing between 40,000 or 50,000 pesos each. Medri expressed deep gratitude for the gesture, noting that it reflects the strong bonds forged during an era when River Plate maintained squads full of top-level players. He remains separated from his four children—Leonel, Natalí, Gianluca, and Nicole—while receiving ongoing care at the Maggiolo hospital.
Key Details of Ariel Medri’s Journey
- Current Status: Receiving rehabilitation and medical care at Samco Hospital in Maggiolo, Santa Fe, as reported by Infobae.
- Football Career: Played in River Plate’s reserve squad alongside Claudio Caniggia and Pipo Gorosito under manager Bambino Veira.
- Post-Football Work: Worked as a toll booth cashier on Ruta 8 from 2011 until January 2024.
- Health Battle: Diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) in 2020, which has impacted his speech and daily mobility.
Medical evaluations and ongoing rehabilitation updates regarding Medri’s treatment are coordinated through healthcare facilities in Santa Fe and Rosario as his family and former peers continue to support his care.
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