The fateful phone call that helped Messi wear Argentina's shirt

Omar Souto, the late manager of Argentina's national teams, has died at the age of 73.

Souto was not only a dedicated employee with more than 30 years of dedication to the Argentine Football Association (AFA), but also the man who changed the history of this country's football with a fateful call in 2003, bringing Lionel Messi to the "Albiceleste" shirt instead of Spain.

On Instagram, Messi posted affectionate photos with Souto, from the moment they hugged each other in a friendly match, lifting the 2022 World Cup trophy, to the Finalissima ceremony at Wembley, accompanied by an emotional tribute: "You were always there, and always the one who opened the door for me. We will never forget you."

Messi stressed that Souto was "a great person", unforgettable for all those who had the honor of wearing the national team shirt.

Omar Souto, affectionately known as “Papúa” to his players, has spent his career providing logistical support and managing Argentina’s national teams. He joined the AFA under president Julio Grondona and has continued in the role through a succession of leadership dynasties, from Luis Segura, Armando Pérez to the current Claudio Tapia.

Souto is not only a "second father" to stars like Messi and the La Scaloneta squad, but also a witness to historic moments, such as lending Carlos Bilardo his jacket at Diego Maradona's introduction as coach years ago.

But the story that makes Souto immortal is his role in recruiting Messi. In 2003, when Messi was just 16 years old and shining at Barcelona's La Masia training academy, the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) tried to convince the Argentine-born boy to become naturalized to play for "La Roja".

Messi pays tribute to Omar.

Messi, although born in Rosario, lived in Spain from a young age and was eligible to play for the Spanish national team. According to La Nación , Hugo Tocalli, the coach of Argentina's U20 team at the time, wanted to contact Messi but encountered difficulties.

As soon as he returned to Buenos Aires from his business trip, Souto rushed into an internet cafe, tore out the phone book listing Messi in Rosario, and started calling.

He called Messi's grandmother, then his uncle, before connecting with his father, Jorge Messi, who was in Spain. "I asked about the kid named 'Leonardo' Messi, but Jorge corrected me: 'He's Lionel, and he's been waiting for an invitation from Argentina for a long time,'" Souto recalls.

That call was the turning point that changed everything. Just a few months later, Messi made his debut for Argentina's U20 team in a friendly against Paraguay, and Spain had no chance.

Souto later affirmed: "Messi always wanted to play for Argentina. He refused dozens of invitations from Spain."

Souto's passing was announced by the AFA earlier this week on social media: "It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Omar Souto, legendary manager of the Argentine national teams. Thank you, Omar, for your solidarity, your irreplaceable commitment to the Albiceleste and for being a shining example for the AFA."

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Source: https://znews.vn/cuoc-dien-thoai-dinh-menh-giup-messi-khoac-ao-argentina-post1605659.html