The soccer world is sad as the legendary Argentinian coach Cesar Luis Menotti has passed away at age 85. He will be remembered forever for the people of Argentina as he led their country to win their first ever FIFA World Cup in 1978 when they defeated the Netherlands 3-1 in the final. He coached many clubs throughout his career, including FC Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Boca Juniors, River Plate, and more. The former World Champion reportedly passed away today after being hospitalized for a month with severe anemia. Many clubs and legends of the game have reacted to the news and are as upset as the Argentinian people.
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FC Barcelona and Real Madrid have paid their respect to the late Menotti, who impacted the game for many clubs throughout his career. The Catalan club wrote, "FC Barcelona deeply regrets the passing of former Barça coach, César Luis Menotti. Rest in peace." Real Madrid released a statement about the former World Cup winner and paid their respect to the former manager who did not coach Los Blancos during his career.
FC Barcelona deeply regrets the passing of former Barça coach, César Luis Menotti.
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) May 5, 2024
Rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/cvtGS01zHi
Lionel Messi even posted about Menotti's tragic loss on his Instagram story. Messi posted a picture of him talking to the legendary manager and wrote, "We have left behind one of our greatest football icons; our condolences to his family and loved ones."
There was already an honor before a match in Argentina. Before the Argentine Primera Division match between Estudiantes and Velez Sarsfield, there was a minute of silence for Menotti's passing, which turned into a minute of applause. The people will always remember the man who won Argentina the first World Cup title of his country as it marked a historic moment in football for them. Football greats like Andres Iniesta posted about Menotti's passing on his Instagram, writing, "Rest in Peace."
EMOTIVO HOMENAJE AL FLACO 🇦🇷⚽
— TNT Sports Argentina (@TNTSportsAR) May 5, 2024
Por el fallecimiento de César Luis Menotti, se llevó a cabo un minuto de silencio en el entretiempo de Estudiantes vs. Vélez#LPFxTNTSports pic.twitter.com/H3Xp2lzizf
Menotti's other achievements, besides the FIFA World Cup with Argentina
In 2013, Menotti was recognized as World Soccer's 22nd Greatest Manager of All Time award. He won a league title with Huracan in Argentina and won three trophies with FC Barcelona in one season, where he won the Copa Del Rey, the Copa de la Liga, and the Spanish Super Cup.
