Buenos Aires: Ernesto Vecchio, the first coach of Lionel Messi when the budding superstar was a young rookie in Argentina, has died at the age of 65, the Newell`s Old Boys club announced Friday.


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"We regret to announce the death of Ernesto Vecchio, the technical director of Leo Messi during his debut (at Rosario)," said a statement on the Twitter account of Newell`s where Vecchio worked for more than 30 years.


Vecchio, who divided his time between Newell`s and working with the Messi Foundation charity, remained a staunch supporter of the Barcelona star even when he was widely criticised for announcing his international retirement following last year`s Copa America defeat to Chile.


"This boy can no longer be criticised. He has the right to retire," Vecchio said.