Cesar Luis Menotti, the renowned coach of the Argentine national football team, has passed away at the age of 85. He led Argentina to a historic victory in the 1978 World Cup, which was held on home soil. The team defeated the Netherlands 3-1 after extra time with two goals scored by Mario Kempes, who was named the player of the tournament.
Menotti’s coaching career spanned 37 years and took him to various countries such as Italy, Mexico, Uruguay, and Argentina. During his playing days, he was a striker for Brazilian side Santos alongside Pele. His transition into coaching began when he joined Barcelona in 1974 and won two trophies during his tenure there.
Despite controversy surrounding his decision not to include a young Diego Maradona in the squad for the 1978 World Cup, Menotti led Argentina to victory that year. However, Maradona played a crucial role in their success the following year when they won the Under-20 World Cup. Unfortunately, Menotti’s tenure as national team coach ended after their defeat by Brazil in Spain in 1982, where Maradona received a red card during their second round elimination match.