World Cup-winning coach César Luis Menotti, who led Argentina to the title in 1978, has died at the age of 85, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) reported on Sunday.
Menotti, who played for Rosario Central, Boca Juniors and Santos, began his coaching career at Newell's Old Boys and won the Argentine championship with Huracán in 1973, before taking over as head coach of the Argentine national team in 1974.
“The Argentine Football Association regrets to announce with great sadness the death of César Luis Menotti, current director of the national teams and former World Cup coach of Argentina. Goodbye, dear Flaco,” the governing body said in a statement.
Menotti, who left the national team after the 1982 World Cup, went on to coach Barcelona, where he guided the team to Copa del Rey success in 1983.
“One of the great references of our football has left us. Condolences to his family and friends, may he rest in peace,” the 2022 World Cup-winning Argentine captain, Lionel Messi, said on social media.
He also played for Atlético de Madrid, the Argentine teams Boca Juniors, Independiente, River Plate, Peñarol, Rosario Central, Sampdoria and two Mexican teams, Puebla and Tecos.
“Deep pain at the departure of a leader of a group that has given one of the greatest joys to the country,” Argentine President Javier Milei said on social media platform X.
“You gave us a lot during your time with the Argentine national team and football. Without a doubt, your passage to immortality will remain with the best of memories for all of us who love football,” said AFA president Claudio Tapia.
