Ovidio Messa Soruco (12 December 1952 – 27 July 2017) was a Bolivian professional footballer born in Yacuíba, Tarija Department. He became known nationally for his performances in domestic competitions and for representing the Bolivia national team during the late 1970s. His time as an international player, and his continuing association with the sport at home, made him a familiar figure in Bolivian football circles.
Playing profile and characteristics
Messa was noted for a technical style of play, creativity in attack, and an ability to influence matches at club and international level. Contemporary descriptions emphasize his vision on the field and a knack for contributing to offensive moves. Although precise position labels can vary in different reports, he was often deployed in roles that allowed him to link midfield and attack.
Career highlights
Details of Messa's club career include several seasons in Bolivia's domestic competitions and periods spent with teams beyond his hometown. Internationally, he earned caps for Bolivia and participated in matches for the national side between 1978 and 1979, a period when Bolivian football was developing its post-1970s identity. His international service is remembered as part of a generation that kept the national team competitive in regional fixtures.
Legacy and later years
After his playing days, Messa remained a respected figure among teammates, opponents and supporters. He is frequently recalled in retrospectives on Bolivian football for his skill on the ball and his contributions to clubs and country. Older fans and local media remembered him for both individual moments of quality and his broader role in the sport's community.
- Full name: Ovidio Messa Soruco
- Born: 12 December 1952, Yacuíba, Bolivia
- National team: Represented Bolivia (1978–1979)
- Noted as: Skilled attacking player and influential domestic competitor
Death
Ovidio Messa died on 27 July 2017 in Alicante, Spain, at the age of 64. The cause was pancreatic cancer. His passing prompted tributes from former clubs, teammates and supporters who recognized his role in Bolivian football history.