An elderly man holds a soccer ball while standing on a sports field, with a circular image of another man in the top left corner.
ARGENTINA

Mario Alberto Kempes dedicated an emotional message to Luis Galván

The Matador bid farewell to his former teammate in the Argentina National Team that was champion in '78

Argentinian soccer is going through a moment of deep sorrow after the passing of Luis Galván, one of the members of the squad that won the world title with the Argentine National Team in 1978. After the unfortunate news became known, numerous farewell messages began to circulate, and among them, Mario Alberto Kempes's message stood out, as he was also part of that unforgettable team led by César Luis Menotti.

"I deeply regret the passing of Luis Galván, a comrade in struggle and glory in the 1978 National Team, he leaves us with deep sadness," expressed the Matador through his Instagram account.

Later, in another part of his emotional farewell, he added: "Luis was not only an essential part of that historic team that gave us the joy of the world championship, but he was also an exceptional human being, always willing to share his wisdom and effort."

Two players wearing the Argentine national team jersey in action during a match.
The Matador and the Maestro were key in the '78 title | La Derecha Diario

The Matador's full message

I deeply regret the passing of Luis Galván, a comrade in struggle and glory in the 1978 team, leaving us with deep sadness. Today, as we bid him farewell, I fondly remember his dedication, professionalism, and the great impact he left both on and off the field. Luis was not only an essential part of that historic team that brought us the joy of the World Cup victory, but he was also an exceptional human being, always willing to share his wisdom and effort. His name will forever be etched in the collective memory of all who experienced that unforgettable victory. Today, Argentine football loses a great player, but his legacy will be eternal. To his family, friends, and loved ones, I send my deepest condolences. May the love and admiration we feel for Luis provide comfort in these difficult times. Thank you, Luis, for everything you gave us. We will miss you, but your legacy will never be forgotten.
The Matador's post on Instagram | La Derecha Diario

Other farewells

Emotional tributes also came from other world champions in 1978 who shared the locker room with Luis Galván, both in the National Team and in clubs. One of them was Daniel Valencia, his teammate at Talleres de Córdoba and participant in that historic triumph in the Argentina World Cup.

"Before the third and the second, came the first. And in that first, there were all kinds of architects. Some noisy, others celebrated. But there was one —silent, shy— who was, without a doubt, a master.  The newspapers rated him a 10 in that final against the Netherlands. For me, they fell short. Because from Santiago del Estero, a legend was born.  What a privilege it was to enjoy so many years with you, Luisito!," wrote Valencia, remembering his dear friend.

As the years go by, the pain of farewells becomes more frequent, and the former forward expressed it this way: "For those of us left here, it hurts. It hurts a lot.  And for me, personally, it weighs on me to have had to write so many farewells.  Time moves on without asking permission, taking pieces of what we were...But it doesn't take everything. Because wherever you go, I'm sure you'll continue teaching."

Valencia and Galván in the National Team | La Derecha Diario

Meanwhile, Ubaldo Matildo Fillol, goalkeeper of that champion team, publicly expressed his sorrow with a heartfelt message on his social media. "One of the great figures of Argentina's first star has left us. Excellent defender and even better person. It was a true pleasure to have played by your side. Heartfelt hug to all his family and close friends," he wrote on his X account.

Two images of a soccer match: at the top, a player in a blue and white striped uniform is about to kick the ball while another player tries to stop him; at the bottom, a player in a green jacket smiles while surrounded by teammates.
The photo that Pato shared on his X account | La Derecha Diario
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