The Argentine Football Association (AFA) announced with deep sorrow the death of Omar Souto, the historic manager of the National Teams, at age 73. Souto was a key figure in Argentine football, accompanying generations of players from youth levels to world champions. His legacy includes endearing and pivotal moments, such as Lionel Messi's first call-up.
Omar Souto, known as 'Papúa', died on November 23, 2025, as confirmed by the AFA on its social media. The entity stated: “With enormous sorrow and sadness, the Argentine Football Association announces the passing of Omar Souto, historic Manager of the Argentine National Teams. Simply thank you, Omar. Thank you for your solidarity, your unmatched commitment to the albiceleste”.
For decades, Souto was a pillar at the Ezeiza complex, serving as a confidant and father figure to players like Lionel Messi and Emiliano 'Dibu' Martínez. He initiated Messi's first call-up to the Under-20 team. In an interview with TyC Sports, Souto recounted: “I thought his name was Leonardo because everyone called him Leo. I went to a payphone in Monte Grande and asked for a phone directory of the city of Rosario where all the Messis were. I called the grandmother who gave me the uncle's number, when I called him he gave me the father's, who when I called said ‘finally they're going to call him. My son wants to play for the Argentine National Team’”. His bond with Messi grew: he posed hugging in the official photo of the 2021 Copa América and appeared in videos of the Qatar 2022 celebrations with Antonela Roccuzzo and the captain's children.
Souto also motivated Martínez during tough times: “I'll give you the tickets, but promise me next time you won't ask for them: I'll see you as the national team's goalkeeper”. He lent his jacket to Carlos Bilardo for Diego Maradona's presentation as coach. His closeness with the squad showed in viral pranks, like when Sergio Agüero and Ángel Di María woke him on a bus before the 2018 Russia World Cup.
Years ago, an illness diagnosis forced him to stop traveling, but he continued at Ezeiza. Last year, he moved everyone by appearing in a wheelchair at practice, where Lionel Scaloni, Pablo Aimar, and Walter Samuel halted training to hug him. Souto maintained his work until the end, leaving a void in Argentine football.
