Vecchio took him to Newell’s Old Boys and coached Messi until he left for Spain as a 12-year-old.
Vecchio said: “It’s over 10 years since we spoke. It’s a shame kids forget some things when they find success.
“In 2006 I heard he was in Rosario and I went to his house to catch up with old times.
“They told me he wasn’t there, but it was a lie. He must have been afraid I would ask him for something. Money changes people a bit.”