Lionel Messi recently took to Instagram to honor the memory of his former mentor, Tito Vilanova, on the decade mark since his passing. Vilanova, who had the privilege of guiding Messi during his early days at La Masia, Barcelona's famed youth academy, passed away in 2014 at the young age of 45.
"Can you believe it's been a whole decade? Tito, you remain unforgettable," Messi shared, alongside a heartfelt photo of the two, reflecting on the time that has passed since we lost Vilanova.
Before taking the reins as Barcelona's head coach for the 2012-13 season, Vilanova was a key figure behind the scenes, serving as Pep Guardiola's right-hand man. Together, they orchestrated a golden era for the club, clinching an impressive haul of 14 trophies.
Sadly, in July 2013, Vilanova had to step back from his coaching duties, battling the throat cancer that ultimately claimed his life less than a year later. It was a loss that resonated deeply within the football community, especially for those like Messi, who had personally flourished under his guidance.
Vilanova's own football journey began as a youth player at Barcelona, and his career spanned across several clubs, including Celta Vigo and Mallorca. After a stint with Barcelona B as Guardiola's assistant, the duo graduated to the first team, where they continued their successful partnership.
As we remember Vilanova's legacy, it's clear that his influence on players like Messi and his contributions to Barcelona's storied history will not be forgotten.