The Latin American country Argentina won the World Cup for the first time in 1978. As hosts, the Albiceleste took home their first title with a 3-1 win in the Netherlands. Coach Cesar Luis Menotti, one of the heroes of this title win, died on Sunday. He was 85 years old at the time of his death.

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) confirmed the news of his death.
The AFA governing body said in a statement, "The Argentine Football Association is deeply saddened by the death of Cesar Luis Menotti, the current director of the national team and Argentina's former World Cup-winning coach.

Menotti played for Rosario Central, Boca Juniors and Santos during his playing career. His professional coaching career began at Newell's Old Boys. Argentina won the championship with the Huracan in 1973. The following year, he took charge of the head coach of the country's national team.

Menotti left the national team after the 1982 World Cup. He also served as the coach of Barcelona. Barcelona won the Copa del Rey in 1983 by his hand. Argentina's 2022 World Cup-winning captain Lionel Messi said on social media, 'One of our football's brightest stars has left us. Condolences to his family and friends, may his soul rest in peace.

During his professional career, Menotti played for Atlético Madrid, Boca Juniors, Independiente, River Plate, Peñarol, Rosario Central, Sampdoria and two Mexican teams, Puebla and Tecos.

Argentina's President Javier Millei said at the X, "The death of a man who led a great community, gave the country the greatest joy." Saddened by his death.

AFA president Claudio Tapia said, 'You have given a lot to the Argentine national team and football. You will always be immortal in the memories of footy lovers. Argentina hosted the 11th FIFA World Cup in 1978. The World Cup was held in 6 venues in 5 cities of the country. A total of 16 countries participated. The tiebreaker system was first introduced in this World Cup. However, Seva did not need a tiebreaker in any match.

Messi's team won their third title in 2022 under coach Lionel Scaloni. The team ended a 36-year-old regret by defeating France in a tiebreaker in a breathtaking match in the final of the 22nd edition of FIFA held in Qatar.