Barcelona star Lionel Messi has paid an emotional tribute to former Leeds United player Alex Sabella.
The 66-year-old former Leeds midfielder died in hospital yesterday in Buenos Aires.
Sabella, who played for one season at Leeds between 1980-81 arrived at Elland Road after a memorable two years with Yorkshire rivals Sheffield United.
He was named Argentina coach in 2011 and led them to the 2014 World Cup Final, where they lost to Germany.
Sabella's first job as national coach was to make Messi captain, something he has not forgotten.
Following the news of Sabella's passing, Messi paid a personal tribute on social media alongside a picture of the pair hugging.
He wrote: “It was a pleasure to share so much with you.
“Alejandro was a great person, as well as being a brilliant professional who left his mark on my career and whom I learnt a lot from.
“We shared some of my best footballing memories during the World Cup qualifying phase and at the World Cup.
“My condolences to his family and friends.”
Sabella was rushed to a specialist hospital nearly a fortnight ago after suffering fluid retention in his legs linked to heart problems.
He was admitted to intensive care after his health worsened when he picked up a virus in hospital.
He was being cared for at the Buenos Aires Cardiovascular Institute.
Hospital bosses confirmed on Tuesday he had passed away at 3.30pm local time - 6.30pm in the UK.
The hospital said in a statement: “We regret to inform you that the patient Alejandro Sabella, who had been admitted to our institution on November 25, died at 3.30pm on Tuesday as a result of his diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy secondary to long-standing coronary disease and cardiotoxicity."
