Argentine midfielder who passed through Messi’s academy charged in death of motorcyclist
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Rodrigo Garro | Corinthians, Foundacion Lionel Messi on X

Argentine midfielder who passed through Messi’s academy charged in death of motorcyclist

Ayoola Kelechi 23:03 - 05.01.2025

The Corinthians midfielder was part of Lionel Messi's foundation for three years

Argentine footballer Rodrigo Garro, a product of the Fundacion Leo Messi academy, has been charged with involuntary manslaughter following a tragic road accident in his hometown of General Pico, La Pampa province.

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The incident, which claimed the life of 30-year-old motorcyclist Nicolas Chiaraviglio, has shocked the footballing world and raised questions about Garro’s future on and off the pitch.

Midfielder charged in manslaughter case

The fatal crash occurred early on Saturday morning when Garro’s pickup truck collided with Chiaraviglio’s motorcycle, killing the motorcyclist instantly.

Rodrigo Garro at Corinthians | Meu Tirnao
Rodrigo Garro at Corinthians | Meu Tirnao Rodrigo Garro at Corinthians | Meu Tirnao

Following the accident, Garro, who currently plays for Brazilian club Corinthians, was charged but will not be detained while awaiting trial.

According to Garro’s lawyer, David Divan, the midfielder was “deeply shocked” by the incident and has expressed his willingness to cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation.

Rodrigo Garro at Corinthians | LANCE
Rodrigo Garro at Corinthians | LANCE Rodrigo Garro at Corinthians | LANCE

Divan also noted that Garro made immediate efforts to assist the victim after the collision while his current club, Corinthians, released a statement expressing condolences to Chiaraviglio’s family and pledged to support the investigation.

From Messi’s academy to Brazil

Garro’s football journey began at the Fundación Leo Messi academy, where he trained between 2011 and 2014.

The Lionel Messi foundation | Fundacion Lionel Messi on X
The Lionel Messi foundation | Fundacion Lionel Messi on X The Lionel Messi foundation | Fundacion Lionel Messi on X

After progressing through the academies of Atlético de Rafaela and Instituto, Garro made his professional debut in 2018 and later joined Talleres de Cordoba in 2022, where he became an integral part of the team.

In January 2024, Garro signed a four-year contract with Corinthians in Brazil, where he quickly established himself as a key player.

Rodrigo Garro at Corinthians | UOL
Rodrigo Garro at Corinthians | UOL Rodrigo Garro at Corinthians | UOL

Garro’s contract with Corinthians could now be under threat after the charges, as the midfielder could now face incarceration if found liable for manslaughter.