This World Cup-winning Argentinian coach used to play for Johor

Ngl, this writer jumps on any opportunity to write a football-related article. And with Messi FC Argentina winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, we finally got one. You see, we spotted a familiar face on Argentina’s bench next to their head coach Lionel Scaloni:

His name is Pablo Aimar, an Argentinian former attacking midfielder who now serves as their national team’s assistant coach, where he helped them to their first World Cup win since 1986. But even more incredible is the fact that he used to play for Malaysian Super League giants Johor Darul Takzim (JDT) FC.

Now, don’t think that he was just a small-time player who decided to play for a Malaysian club just cos he wasn’t good enough to play anywhere else. In fact…

Pablo Aimar was so good that Messi idolized him as a kid

Yes, it’s high praise indeed when the GOAT himself names you as a boyhood hero of his. In fact, Messi got to realize his dream when he was called up to the national team to play alongside Aimar:

“Pablo Aimar was, and is, my idol. I really like to watch him play and I have followed his career since the beginning at River Plate.” – Lionel Messi

In fact, the late great Diego Maradona actually named Aimar as his ‘natural successor’, calling him the ‘best player in Argentina; the only player I would pay to watch’, so that makes two Argentine GOATs who rate him very highly.

In view of this recognition, it’s safe to say that yeah, Pablo Aimar’s move to JDT FC says more about Johor’s ability to attract top talent from around the world, rather than him being an average player (which he clearly was not).

But who was he, and how did he end up at JDT?

Aimar was hyped up as the next big thing, but his career was ruined by injuries

Pablo Aimar actually turned down a shot at medical school to pursue a career in professional football, making his debut for Argentinian club River Plate in 1996. Interestingly, he had already played in Malaysia once; both Scaloni and Aimar featured in the Argentina youth squad that won the 1997 FIFA World Youth Championship held in KL.

In case you didn't know, the shirt worn by Lionel Scaloni is the same version from 1997 when he had with him when Argentina won the U20 World Cup held here in Malaysia. pic.twitter.com/fnMnR4DZle

— Sivan John 🇦🇷 ⭐⭐⭐ (@SivanJohn_) December 19, 2022

Soon, Aimar attracted the attention of top Spanish La Liga side Valencia CF in 2001, who signed him for a then-world record fee of €24 million. And he impressed on his debut against Manchester United, who were then arguably the strongest team in the world. Dutch legend Johan Cruyff had this to say about the boy:

“He’s got the lot. Tremendous touch, takes up excellent positions, picks out his team-mates brilliantly and can make any pass. Aimar has everything needed to make an impact in Europe. Imagine how good he is going to be in a few years.” – Johan Cruyff, 3-time Ballon d’Or winner

But despite his strong performances when he was fit, injuries continued to plague Aimar, and he was transferred to Real Zaragoza (a decision that ended in disaster), and then to top Portuguese side Benfica (not so disastrous), where he became a fan favorite.

After leaving Benfica, he surprised the world by joining Malaysian side Johor Darul Takzim FC in 2014, becoming the ‘highest-ever paid foreign footballer in Malaysian football’. Sadly, he failed to make an impact there, managing just 8 appearances and 2 goals before being let go by the club the same year, though JDT owner Tunku Mahkota Johor Tunku Ismail Idris chalked it up to JDT’s shortcomings more than anything else:

“I think Aimar did very well. It’s just that at the time we were not ready for Pablo Aimar. We were not ready to have a player of that calibre in terms of the team, structure, facilities… everything. The system itself was in a process of improving.” – Tunku Ismail Idris

He guided Argentina to a World Cup win as a coach, so all’s well that ends well

Unfortunately for Aimar, he never lived up to the dizzying heights everyone expected of him due to injuries, and he retired from football a year after leaving JDT. But as assistant coach to Lionel Scaloni, he still managed to etch his name in history by helping Messi and Co. achieve the ultimate prize.

At the end of the day, regardless of his injury woes, he will forever be remembered by football fans as a damn good player. And hey, he used to play for a Malaysian club, so at least we can claim that.

“Be in no doubt – Pablo Aimar is one of the best footballers you’ve ever seen.” – Omar Saleem, These Football Times