Real Madrid honored the death of Argentina's legendary Hugo Gatti.
On the 21st (Korean time), Real Madrid, led by President Florentino Pérez and the board, announced their deep condolences upon receiving the news of Gatti's passing, who was a legendary goalkeeper in Argentine football. He was 80 years old.
Gatti, who had been hospitalized for the last two months in a Buenos Aires hospital in Argentina, passed away after being taken off the ventilator following a family decision.
Real stated, "Gatti always showed affection and passion for Real, maintaining his unwavering identity as a Madridista during both good and difficult times," adding that "all Madrid fans will remember him forever."
Gatti is one of the most iconic goalkeepers in Argentine football history. He debuted in 1962 in Atlanta and played exclusively in the Argentine Primera División with clubs such as River Plate, Gimnasia La Plata, Unión, and Boca Juniors.
Having played 26 seasons in the Argentine top league, Gatti appeared in 765 league matches and 52 international matches. He also holds the record for the most appearances in the history of the Argentine league. He played 224 matches for Gimnasia La Plata and 381 matches for Boca Juniors.
In particular, Gatti won the league title three times with Boca Juniors and led the team to victory in the Copa Libertadores twice and the Intercontinental Cup once.
Gatti was known for making harsh comparisons between his fellow national team player, "the God of football" Lionel Messi (38, Inter Miami), and Cristiano Ronaldo (40, Al Nassr).
Gatti stated regarding Messi, who previously played for Barcelona, "He must go to Real Madrid and prove himself like Ronaldo did," adding, "Ronaldo went to the world's best club. Messi has always played in the same stadium. Playing in a familiar place is very easy."
Gatti also noted, "I don't dislike Messi, but he had it easy," pointing out, "I saw Messi play at Barcelona, and he was happy when the referee blew the whistle, screaming every time there was contact. He was also surrounded by great players who played for him."
He continued, "Playing in Saudi Arabia is more difficult. Opposing players chase you and want to take you down," and emphasized, "Ronaldo's speed and movement are limited, but he is still active. I believe that a diminished Ronaldo is still better than Messi."
He added, "Where did Messi play? He played for Barcelona and the Argentina national team," lamenting that "Messi did not push himself to play for other teams or in other countries despite having the opportunity."
Gatti was not pleased with Messi's leadership in Argentina's victory at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. He stated, "Opposing players never kicked Messi. In contrast, Diego Maradona was always kicked. Maradona was constantly fouled but got back up even after falling. However, Messi stays down whenever there is contact."
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