Lionel Messi paid a beautiful tribute to his former coach at FC Barcelona, Tito Vilanova, who died in 2014.
This Thursday, April 25, 2024 marked the tenth anniversary of the disappearance of Tito Vilanova. Suffering from cancer of the parotid (salivary) gland, the former coach of FC Barcelona – during the 2012-2013 season – died on April 25, 2014 at the age of only 45. A loss that moved Catalonia and the entire football world, starting with Lionel Messi.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner paid tribute to his former coach on social networks. The Argentine star posted a photo on Instagram of himself with Tito Vilanova during Blaugrana training. A photo accompanied by the caption: “10 years already, we will not forget you Tito”.
Guardiola’s loyal deputy
As a reminder, Tito Vilanova first started as assistant coach to Pep Guardiola between 2008 and 2012. Together, they won everything with the Catalan club. In total, they have won fourteen titles: two Champions Leagues (2009 and 2011), three La Liga (2009, 2010, 2011), two Copa del Rey (2009 and 2012), two Club World Cups (2009 and 2011). , two European Super Cups (2009 and 2011) and three Spanish Super Cups (2009, 2010 and 2011).
When Pep Guardiola left, Tito Vilanova took over from him on the Blaugrana bench. Unfortunately, he had to leave his position due to health problems in 2013 after winning the Spanish championship title.
