Argentine football is in mourning again. Leopoldo Jacinto Luque has died of Covid-19 at the age of 71, one of the architects of the first Argentina World Cup. Forward center, he completed a great World Championship in 1978 with four goals for the albiceleste in five games and was the team's second scorer, only behind Mario Alberto Kempes, who scored six.
Luque was born on May 3, 1949 in the city of Santa Fe, capital of the province that bears the same name, and debuted as a professional with Unión in 1965. Later he went through modest teams and in 1972 he became known in Argentine football with Rosario Central. He was also active in Racing, among other Argentine clubs. After a brief return to Unión de Santa Fe, in 1975 he wore the jersey of River plate, with which he won five titles.
The condolences have not been long in coming. “The Professional Football League of the AFA regrets the death of Leopoldo Luque, world champion with the Argentine national team in 1978, and sends his condolences to his family and friends ”.
The Argentine Soccer Association also fired Luque. “The AFA, through its President Claudio Tapia, expresses its pain for the loss of Leopoldo Jacinto Luque, world champion with the National Team in 1978, and expresses its condolences to family members and loved ones ”.
River Plate, the club where Luque shone, also highlighted the figure of his mythical footballer. “We bid farewell to Leopoldo Jacinto Luque, historical figure of our Club, with deep sorrow. hero of 78 and glory of Argentine soccer. Goodbye, World Champion ”.
One of the first who fired him through social networks was Alberto César Tarantini, his companion in the World Cup played in Argentina 43 years ago and where César Luis Menotti's team was established as the best. Rest in peace dear friend and companion. Much pain to all your colleagues, until always champion, my condolences to his family, “wrote the Rabbit on his Instagram account.
Mario Alberto Kempes He published two meaningful messages on Instagram: “Today we received this unfortunate news, a great soccer player, a great friend and colleague, has left us, with whom I recently enjoyed a few days last year in Mendoza. Through this medium I want to convey my deepest words of condolences to his wife, Claudia, and to all of his family and friends. Rest in peace . ???? Fly high friend ”.
Nery Alberto Pumpido, goalkeeper for the 1986 world champion team in Mexico, wrote on Twitter: “The death of Leopoldo Luque is unfortunate, my condolences to his entire family and may he rest in peace.”
He is also a former goalkeeper ‘Pato’ Fillol He also chose his Twitter account to dedicate heartfelt words to his friend. “Goodbye, dear friend Leopoldo. He left a great person, a formidable teammate and an exceptional player. You were an example for the entire squad in 1978. Thank you for what you gave to Argentine soccer. Embrace of the soul for all his family. We will miss you”.