Leopoldo Luque - a member of the Argentina side that won the 1978 World Cup - has died.
The 71-year old died of a heart-attack, having initially been hospitalised with COVID-19.
Luque first presented symptoms of the virus on Christmas Day, and was transferred to intensive care just after New Year's.
Despite hopes of an improvement, Luque lost his battle at the Cuyo Clinic in Mendoza.
Luque came to international attention with the '78 World Cup, scoring the hosts' opening goal of the tournament in a 2-1 win over Hungary at the Estadio Monumental.
He scored another in a 2-1 victory over an up and coming French side, before netting a brace in the controversial 6-0 victory over Peru that secured Argentina their place in the final.
Luque would end the tournament with four goals, alongside Austrian great Hans Krankl. In all, he'd net 21 times for his country in 43 caps.
At club level, Luque's greatest success came at River Plate. He played 207 games for the Buenos Aires side, scoring 84 goals.
His former teams and teammates have been paying tribute following his passing.
Hasta siempre, querido amigo Leopoldo. Se fue una gran persona, un compañero formidable y un jugador excepcional. Fuiste un ejemplo para todo el plantel en el 78. Gracias por lo que le diste al fútbol argentino.
Abrazo del alma para toda su familia. Te vamos a extrañar. pic.twitter.com/EknGdnkC64— Ubaldo Fillol (@ubaldofillol) February 15, 2021
Ex-River Plate and Argentina goalkeeper Ubalo Fillol said, "Goodbye, dear friend Leopoldo.
"He was 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."
Ossie Ardiles described Luque as an exceptional player, a winner and someone with an infectious personality."
While Argentina striking great Gabriel Batistuta described Luque as "a benchmark for strikers".
Murió Leopoldo Jacinto Luque, uno de mis héroes del Mundial 1978 artífice de la primera Copa del Mundo que conquistó Argentina. Un referente para los delanteros. Mi respeto y acompañamiento a su familia .
QEPD Goleador 🇦🇷⚽️ pic.twitter.com/nDAE7povR3— Gabriel Batistuta (@GBatistutaOK) February 15, 2021
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