Argentina's legendary World Cup-winning coach Menotti dies aged 85

When discussing Argentine football, the names of Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi inevitably spring to mind, instantly recognized even by those who do not regularly follow the sport. However, for the discerning aficionados, it is Cesar Luis Menotti who truly stands as the maestro responsible for propelling Argentina's football prowess onto the grand stage. 

This Sunday, however, the world mourns the loss of this charismatic coach, whose astute guidance propelled Argentina to their first-ever World Cup triumph in 1978. The Argentine Football Association bid farewell to their beloved "Flaco" in a statement announcing his passing. "El Flaco" was Menotti's nickname, which translates to "the thin one."  

Menotti graced the world for 85 years. The exact cause of his death was not disclosed by the governing body. Local media reports suggest that Menotti was admitted to a clinic in March due to severe anemia. It is believed that he underwent surgery for phlebitis in April and subsequently returned home.

Renowned for his romantic approach to football, Menotti served as the coach of Argentina for a eight-year tenure, spanning from 1974 to 1982. During his stewardship, he guided the Albiceleste to their historic breakthrough in the 1978 World Cup. It is worth noting that Menotti famously made the decision to leave out a young Maradona from that squad, yet his team emerged victorious in the tournament. 

Subsequently, Menotti led Argentina to triumph in the Under-20 World Cup in 1979, with Maradona showcasing his stupendous talents as a wunderkind. Unfortunately, Menotti's reign came to an end following the 1982 World Cup in Spain, where Argentina suffered a second-round defeat at the hands of Brazil, culminating in Maradona's dismissal from the match.  

Throughout his illustrious career, Menotti also went on to coach prominent clubs such as Boca Juniors, Atletico Madrid and Barcelona, where he won one La Liga, one Copa del Rey and one Spanish Super Cup.

In response to the news of Menotti's passing, Argentina President Javier Milei expressed his "deep pain at the departure of the leader of a team that has given one of the greatest joys to the country" in a post on X. Messi, on his part, took to his Instagram account and wrote, "One of the great references of our football has left us. Condolences to his family and loved ones. RIP."