Messi and Scaloni Honor Menotti's Legacy
Both the captain and the coach of the Argentine national team shared words following the death of the "icon" of Argentine soccer.
Argentina national football coach Lionel Scaloni and team captain Lionel Messi paid tribute on Sunday to the late César Luis Menotti as a "master" and "icon" of soccer in the South American country.
On his Instagram account, the coach who won the Copa América 2021, Finalissima 2022, and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar posted a photo of 'El Flaco' holding the World Cup that Argentina won in 1978.
"We've lost a football master. Thank you for the memorable conversations that left a mark on us. Farewell, dear Flaco," Scaloni posted.
The former Deportivo de La Coruña, Real Mallorca, and Lazio player, among others, had the support of 'El Flaco,' who was the director of Argentina's national teams at the Argentine Football Association (AFA) since 2019, to take charge of the national team despite his limited experience as a coach.
For his part, the Inter Miami forward posted a brief message on his Instagram account, writing, "We have lost one of the great icons of our football. Condolences to his family and loved ones. RIP."
He also posted a photo of himself at the AFA complex in Ezeiza (Buenos Aires province), now named after Lionel Messi, with Menotti and the federation's president, Claudio 'Chiqui' Tapia.
Tapia himself wrote on X about the "immense pain" of saying goodbye after Menotti left "so much" in his time with Argentina's national team and football.
"Without a doubt, your path to immortality will be remembered by all who love the game," added the sports official, who sent "a warm hug" to 'El Flaco's' family.
César Luis Menotti, the first coach to win a World Cup with Argentina in 1978 and current director of national teams, passed away on Sunday at the age of 85, according to the AFA.
"With deep sorrow, the Argentine Football Association mourns with enormous sadness the passing of César Luis Menotti, current Director of National Teams and former World Cup-winning coach of Argentina. Farewell, dear Flaco!" the AFA confirmed on its official X account.
