Messi pays tribute to late Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella
Sabella, who coached Messi at the 2014 World Cup, passed away on Tuesday aged 66
Tuesday's passing of Alejandro Sabella led to condolences being paid across the world for the coach that nearly led Argentina to the World Cup in 2014.
Sabella died aged 66 after years of battling with cancer and heart problems.
One of the players to pay tribute to him was Barcelona star Lionel Messi, who played under him for the Argentine national team between 2011 and 2014.
"It was a pleasure to share so much with you," Messi wrote on social media. "Alejandro was a great person, as well as being impressive professional that has marked my career. I learned a lot from him.
"Together we experienced some of the best memories I have in football during the qualification campaign for the World Cup and the World Cup. My condolences to his family and friends."
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Prior to taking on the Argentina job in 2011, Sabella had been in charge of the Estudiantes side that took Messi's Barça to extra time in the Club World Cup final. They were his only two managerial jobs.
As a player, he played for River Plate, before spending three years in England playing for Sheffield United and Leeds United between 1978 and 1981.
He later returned to Argentina, playing for Estudiantes, while he also had spells with Ferro Carril Peste, Brazilian side Gremio and Mexican team Irapuato.
Sabella was admitted into hospital in November due to health problems which have plagued the final years of his life. A virus contracted in the hospital led to complications and ultimately to his death on Tuesday.
The news is the latest painful loss for Argentina this year, coming just weeks after the legendary Diego Maradona passed away aged 60.
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