LEGENDARY former Argentina and Barcelona manager Cesar Luis Menotti has died aged 85.

The iconic gaffer, who led his country to their first ever World Cup win in 1978, had been in hospital for a month with severe anemia.

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The Rosario-born tactician guided Argentina to a 3-1 victory over the Netherlands, as extra-time goals from tournament top scorer Mario Kempes and team-mate Daniel Bertoni sealed the win 46 years ago.

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) confirmed his death today in a statement.

It read: “The Argentine Football Association regrets to report with great sadness the death of Cesar Luis Menotti, current Director of National Teams and former World Champion coach of Argentina.”

Last month, Menotti was admitted to hospital with severe anemia and underwent surgery for phlebitis. 

Menotti was the mastermind behind Argentina’s first ever global triumph as they got their hands on the the most iconic trophy in football.

As the manager of La Albiceleste, he took a team that had limped out of the 1974 World Cup in Germany and turned them into world beaters.

Tributes have since poured in for the World Cup winning coach.

President of the AFA, Chiqui Tapia, posted on X, formerly Twitter: “Dear Flaco, it is an immense pain to have to say goodbye to you. You left us a lot during your time in the national team and in football.

“Without a doubt, your passage to immortality will be with the best memories of all of us who love the round.

“I send a warm hug on behalf of myself and all of Argentine Football to all of Cesar’s family at this moment. See you always dear friend!”

Argentina’s current president, Javier Milei, also said: “RIP. Deep pain for the departure of the leader of a group that has given one of the greatest joys to the country.

“Although I adhere to another school, it would be foolish to deny the contribution of César Luis Menotti. Goodbye Flaco.”

There was also a tribute to Menotti during Sunday’s League Cup final in Argentina by Velez Sarsfield and Estudiantes.

A minute’s silence was held at half-time, with all invovled paying their respects.

A tall, slender figure on the sidelines Menotti would famously smoke throughout matches.

The talented manager also enjoyed spells as the coach of Barcelona, Boca Juniors, Independiente, River Plate and Atletico Madrid to name but a few.

Menotti took charge of the Mexican national team in the early 1990s, rebuilding the side after their disqualification from the 1990 World Cup

A striker in his playing days, Menotti played in Argentina with Rosario Central, Racing Club, Boca Juniors.

He later joined the New York Generals before playing for Santos and Juventus in Brazil.

Argentina have won the prestigious World Cup trophy twice since Menotti managed them to success in 1978.

They triumphed again in 1986 in Mexico with the iconic Diego Maradona playing a starring role in the tournament.

In 2022, footballing legend Lionel Messi inspired Argentina to lift the most prestigious trophy of all for a third time.

La Albiceleste defeated France in one of the greatest World Cup finals of all time.

Argentina has also been runner-up three times: in 1930, 1990 and 2014.

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