Argentina’s first ever World Cup-winning coach César Luis Menotti has died.
César Luis Menotti died on Sunday at the age of 85. The former player-turned-coach was the first Argentine coach to ever win the World Cup with the national team when he lifted it in 1978 in Argentina.
Luis Menotti played for Rosario Central and Boca Juniors in Argentina while also playing for Santos in Brazil. He first coached Newell’s Old Boys and was part of the Huracan team that won the 1973 Argentine Championship at club level.
The Argentine FA released the following:
“The Argentine Football Association regrets to announce with great sadness the passing of Cesar Luis Menotti, current Director of National Teams and former World Cup-winning coach of Argentina. Goodbye, Flaco querido.”
He coached most of his career in South America, but coached FC Barcelona in Europe where he won the 1982-1983 Copa del Rey, 1983 Copa de la Liga and 1983 Supercopa de España.
After winning the 1978 World Cup with Argentina, Menotti also won the 1979 World Youth Cup, which later became the FIFA U-20 World Cup.
Lionel Messi was one of many to pay tribute to the former great on social media, posting the following on Instagram:
“One of the great references of our football has left us. Sincere condolences to his family and loved ones. RIP.”
From everyone at Mundo Albiceleste, we would like to send our sincere condolences to his friends and family.
