Messi Pays Tribute to Omar Souto, Argentine FA Icon Passes at 73

Omar Souto’s Profound Impact on Lionel Messi’s Career

Lionel Messi has paid an emotional tribute to Omar Souto, the long-serving general manager of Argentina’s national teams, following Souto’s passing at age 73. Souto, a pillar within the Argentine Football Association (AFA), played a pivotal role in Messi’s journey to international stardom. His death has cast a somber mood over Argentina’s football community, prompting flags at both the AFA’s headquarters and training facilities to be lowered to half-mast in his honor.

How Omar Souto Helped Shape Messi’s International Destiny

Posting to his massive Instagram following, Messi credited Souto for laying the “foundation” of his Argentina career. Despite growing up and developing his football in Spain with Barcelona, it was Souto’s attention and intervention that ensured Messi wore the Argentine shirt. Messi’s Instagram tribute highlighted Souto’s presence and influence, stating, “You were always there, and you were the one who paved the way for the AFA to notice me. A tremendous human being, impossible to forget for all of us who had the privilege of playing for the National Team. Your mark will remain forever. We will never forget you, Omar. Rest in peace.”

Messi’s connection to his homeland was nearly severed; Spanish authorities recognized his potential and could have persuaded him to switch allegiances. However, Souto and his team, alerted by Spanish coaches about the prodigious “Leo” at a youth tournament, worked tirelessly to find Messi’s family and extend a long-awaited call to the national team. This effort ensured that Messi’s legendary records and triumphs—including two Copa Americas and a World Cup—would belong to Argentina.

Argentina Mourns Omar Souto’s Lasting Legacy

The Argentine Football Association released a heartfelt statement mourning the loss of Souto, whom colleagues affectionately called “Papua.” The announcement praised his unwavering commitment to the national teams and the indelible legacy he leaves behind at the Ezeiza training complex. Flags will fly at half-mast for three days, and a minute’s silence will be observed at all matches during the mourning period.

The statement from the AFA read: “All the employees at the AFA headquarters bid farewell to ‘Papua’ with unparalleled affection and love. Thank you, Omar, for carrying the AFA flag high until your final days. For your unwavering commitment to the national teams and for leaving an unparalleled legacy at the Ezeiza training complex. You will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew you and those who worked with you.”

Omar Souto’s Role in Keeping Messi with Argentina

The significance of Souto’s intervention cannot be overstated. At a time when Messi, living and playing in Spain, could have slipped away to the Spanish national team, Souto’s diligence secured one of football’s greatest talents for Argentina. In a 2021 interview, Souto detailed how Spanish staff at a youth tournament questioned him about the absence of “the kid from Barcelona,” prompting his determined search for Messi’s family. Souto’s perseverance paid off, ensuring Messi would represent the country of his birth.

As Messi’s career blossomed—with 196 appearances and a record 115 international goals—Souto’s contribution remained a foundational part of the story. Every victory, including the historic World Cup win, is a testament to Souto’s enduring influence.

Extra Motivation for Argentina at the 2026 World Cup

Looking ahead to the 2026 World Cup, Souto’s memory is set to inspire the current Argentina squad even further. As they attempt to defend their title, Messi and his teammates will take to the field not only to make history, but also to honor a man who shaped the very fabric of Argentina’s footballing identity.

Opinion: Souto’s Quiet Influence Deserves Lasting Recognition

Behind every footballing success lies a network of passionate individuals whose work often goes unsung. Omar Souto was one such figure—a quiet architect of Argentina’s golden era, and a guardian of its footballing future. Messi’s tribute reminds us that, while the world celebrates the goals and trophies, it is the guidance, belief, and dedication of figures like Souto that truly shape legends. His legacy should serve as an enduring example for football administrators everywhere.

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