César Luis Menotti, the coach who guided Argentina to their first World Cup victory in 1978, passes away at the age of 85 | World News

Legendary Argentine soccer coach César Luis Menotti, who led his country to its first World Cup victory in 1978, has passed away at the age of 85, the Argentine Football Association announced on Sunday. Known affectionately as “Flaco,” Menotti was revered for his passion for the game and his ability to articulate its intricacies.

Menotti’s coaching career was marked by his political activism, affiliation with the Argentine Communist Party, and admiration for Latin American writers such as Borges and García Márquez. He played for various clubs in Argentina, the U.S., Brazil, and Italy before transitioning to coaching. Menotti famously left a young Diego Maradona off the 1978 World Cup squad, a decision that strained their relationship for years.

Despite his success on the field, Menotti faced criticism for his association with the military junta in Argentina during the World Cup victory, as he was photographed shaking hands with the regime’s leader. He later coached Mexico’s national team and clubs in Spain, Uruguay, Italy, and Mexico.

Menotti’s distinctive style, characterized by his long hair and cigarette habit, endeared him to fans and players alike. In his final years, he reflected on his mortality with acceptance, stating, “It’s the only thing I’m sure of. I don’t know anyone who hasn’t died at some point.”

The soccer world mourns the loss of a true legend, whose impact on the sport and its players will be felt for generations to come.