President Javier Milei bid farewell to Hugo Gatti: 'Goodbye colleague'

The president Javier Milei bid farewell with a heartfelt message to Hugo Orlando "El Loco" Gatti, who passed away this afternoon after spending more than 60 days hospitalized at Pirovano Hospital.

On his social media, the Argentine leader posted a photo of the deceased goalkeeper along with a message:"GOODBYE COLLEAGUE (if I may)".

The farewell has a personal root: before dedicating himself to politics and starting his path as an economist, Milei was a goalkeeper in the youth divisions of Chacarita Juniors. He put on the gloves for the first time in 1983 and played for six years, until a jaw fracture—resulting from a strong kick—forced him to leave soccer.

Hugo Orlando Gatti was 80 years old and, two months ago, had suffered a hip fracture that led to a hospital-acquired infection, along with heart and kidney failure. This Sunday, doctors confirmed that his condition was "irreversible" and decided to remove the artificial respirator.

"In light of his irreversible health condition, with no possibility of recovery, they will proceed with the removal of mechanical ventilation during the day," stated the last medical report released. The diagnosis detailed a case of pneumonia, heart and kidney failure, with the former goalkeeper in an induced coma.

To all this was added a deep emotional wound: in mid-2024, Gatti had suffered the most painful loss of his life, that of his wife Nacha Nodar, with whom he shared more than five decades. Her passing left a huge void in the former footballer, who always valued the unconditional love and support she represented throughout his career.

The career of Loco Gatti

Hugo "El Loco" Gatti began his career in the youth divisions of Atlanta and debuted as a professional in 1962. Throughout his career, he played for River Plate, Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata, and Unión de Santa Fe, until reaching Boca Juniors, the club where he reached his peak.

In the xeneize team, Gatti became the goalkeeper with the most matches played in the history of the institution, totaling 417 appearances between the posts.

During his time at Boca, he won two Copa Libertadores, an Intercontinental Cup in 1977, and the Metropolitan tournaments of 1976 and 1981. In the rest of his professional career, he added 224 matches at Gimnasia, 93 at River, 45 with Unión, and 38 at Atlanta.

With the Argentine National Team jersey, he played 18 matches. He was drafted as the third goalkeeper for the 1966 World Cup in England and, years later, decided to step aside before the 1978 World Cup, where Ubaldo Fillol was ultimately the starter.

With a unique personality and a great knack for penalties, he managed to save 26 throughout his career. His love for soccer kept him active until the age of 44, becoming an iconic and unforgettable figure in Argentine sports.