Cesar Luis Menotti, who led Argentina to a title at the 1978 FIFA World Cup, is hospitalized in Buenos Aires and reportedly in grave condition. The player-turned-manager is even known as a philosopher and considered one of the most important figures in the sport.
Menotti, 84, might not make it out of the hospital. His situation is being reported as “very delicate,” although neither the Argentine Football Association (AFA) nor his family have provided any information on the matter.
Jose Ramon Fernandez, a legendary journalist for ESPN in Spanish, was the one to reveal the bad news.
“I have some bad news,” Fernandez tweeted. “I have learned that the great Cesar Luis Menotti is in a very delicate condition in a hospital in Buenos Aires. It is something that hurts me a lot.
“A great coach and soccerwise man, as well as a teacher and friend in World Cup broadcasts. A hug with all my love for him all the way to Argentina.”
Throughout his career, Menotti also served on the benches of some of the most important clubs in the world, including FC Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Boca Juniors, River Plate and Peñarol.
Menotti also left his mark in Mexico when he briefly coached the national team in 1991-92. He is considered a key part of Liga MX evolving, coaching teams like Puebla and Tecos.
Since 2019, Menotti has been serving as Director of National Teams at the AFA, recently celebrating the Copa America, the Finalissima and the World Cup.
