Architect of Argentina’s 1978 World Cup victory, Cesar Luis Menotti, died at the age of 85

The football association (AFA) of Argentina stated on Sunday that Cesar Luis Menotti, who is renowned for having led his team to their first World Cup victory in 1978—a feat hailed as one of the “country’s greatest joys”—had passed away at the age of 85.

The AFA released a statement stating, “The Argentine Football Association regrets to report with great sadness the passing of Cesar Luis Menotti, former world champion coach of Argentina.”

The habit of chain smoking Over the course of his 37-year coaching career, Menotti oversaw 11 clubs, some of which he led more than once, as well as two national teams, Argentina and Mexico.

However, his most memorable achievement will be winning the 1978 World Cup on home soil for Argentina, which was governed at the time by an oppressive junta.

Argentina beat the Netherlands 3-1 in overtime in the championship match, with colorful player of the tournament Mario Kempes scoring twice against a Dutch team without Johan Cruyff, who had declined to participate in the World Cup.

Menotti chose not to choose Diego Maradona, a 17-year-old sensation who had made his debut for his country the previous year.

President of Argentina Javier Milei responded to Menotti’s passing by saying on X that he was in “deep pain at the departure of the leader of a team that has given one of the greatest joys to the country.”

Menotti was also well-remembered in Mexico, where he led the national team from 1991 to 1992 before taking on his last coaching positions with Puebla and Tecos in 2006 and 2007.

Carlos Hermosillo, a former international, said on X, “Teacher of teachers, the greatest for me.” “Thank you for your contributions to Mexican soccer. There was a before and after for me.

Hermosillo, who is now a Fox Sports television analyst, said that Menotti had encouraged him to become “the most outstanding Mexican goal scorer” in the end.

Menotti was correct in that regard. Hermosillo won three straight individual scoring championships from 1993 to 1996. With 294 goals in his career, he was the second-best scorer in Mexican football history when he retired.

“Cesar Luis Menotti was an eloquent, serious, bright, friendly, and well-educated football genius and philosopher. died… The Argentine analyst’s broadcast partner at many World Cups, writer Jose Ramon Fernandez, stated, “I cannot finish listing his qualities.”

“We laughed, told stories, talked for a long time, and shared World Cups.”

Menotti also sent his condolences to Barcelona, the legendary Spanish team that won the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup when he was their coach from 1983 to 1984.

“After the passing of Cesar Luis Menotti, FC Barcelona would like to offer its condolences. Peace be with you.