US soccer legend Tony Meola suffered a heart attack on Thursday night, the day before the former goalkeeper’s 56th birthday, with well-wishes pouring in from around the globe.
Meola is best known as the starting goalkeeper for the United States men’s national team fore the 1994 World Cup, the most recent time the tournament was hosted in America before next summer’s extravaganza.
‘He’s in good spirits and doctors say he’ll be okay. He thanks everyone for the birthday wishes too,’ Tom Bogert reports.
Meola made 100 appearances for the Stars and Stripes between 1988 and 2006 and is considered one of the best American goalkeepers of all-time alongside Tim Howard and Brad Friedel.
Former teammate at the 1994 World Cup and current soccer broadcaster Alexi Lalas led the tributes to Meola.
‘Sending big hugs to friend, teammate, and [American soccer] legend, Tony Meola. He had a heart attack Thursday night but thankfully he’s gonna be ok. He’s Jersey strong. In the meantime, wish him well and feast your eyes on his glorious and slick 1994 man bun. @TMeola1,’ Lalas said on social media.
Tony Meola suffered a heart attack on Thursday night, the day before his 56th birthday
Leading the tributes to Meola was former teammate and current soccer broadcaster Alexi Lalas
‘Wishing former USA goalkeeper Tony Meola all the very best after his heart attack. Scary news but glad @TMeola1 is on the mend,’ commentator Jacqui Oatley added.
‘I was just together w/ Tony Meola & the Jersey boys three weeks ago. As many of you may have heard, Tony went into cardiac arrest two nights ago. He’s going to be fine but it scared him and a lot of us. His message to all of us is clear: GET A CHECKUP. Rest up, man,’ New York City FC commentator Glenn Crooks said.
At the club level, Meola is best known for his stint in the early days of Major League Soccer, playing for New York and Kansas City from 1996 through 2006 before his retirement.
Last year, Meola reemerged in coaching as the bench boss in the 7-on-7 The Soccer Tournament for Concafa SC, with Pat McAfee as the team’s biggest star.
