Lionel Messi's early coach story and the post‑playing careers of his 2006 Argentina squad

Former teammates from Argentina’s 2006 World Cup squad have transitioned to a range of coaching, managerial and media roles. Lionel Scaloni, who played as a right‑back in Germany 2006, is now the nation’s most successful coach, winning the Copa América and the 2022 World Cup. Former players such as Pablo Aimar, Roberto Ayala, Gabriel Heinze, Javier Mascherano, Hernán Crespo, Gabriel Milito, Carlos Tevez, Esteban Cambiasso, Juan Pablo Sorín, Julio Cruz, Maxi Rodríguez, Juan Román Riquelme, Nicolás Burdisso and Javier Saviola hold positions ranging from national staff appointments to club technical director, head coach or television analyst in Argentina, Italy, England, Mexico, Brazil and other countries.

A separate recollection details Messi’s first football mentor, Salvador Aparicio, who spotted the young Lionel on a neighborhood pitch in Rosario. Aparicio recalled persuading Messi’s mother to let him play, observing his extraordinary talent, and later watching his rise with pride. Aparicio, who died in 2008, said he merely gave Messi his first chance on a field, a moment he cherished for the rest of his life.