Leopoldo Luque, the sports-mustache striker who was a key part of Argentina’s side that won the first World Cup at home in 1978, died on Monday, the Argentine Football Association said.
Luque, 71, was hospitalized with COVID-19 over the Christmas period and never recovered, Argentine media reported.
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Luque was a full member of the 1978 team, scoring four goals and making up part of a swashbuckling attack by Daniel Bertoni and Mario Kempes.
He scored his first goal for the guests in the 2-1 opening win over Hungary and twice in the infamous 6-0 win over Peru that led them into the final.
Luque played all of his club football in Latin America, with spells at Rosario Central, River Plate and Racing, among other clubs. He also played for Santos in Brazil and Mexican club Deportivo Tampico.
Luque’s death comes three months after the death of his former team player Diego Maradona.