Antonio Rattín, Boca Juniors and Argentina midfield great, dies at 89

Antonio Ubaldo Rattín, a legendary defensive midfielder celebrated for his impactful career with Boca Juniors and the Argentine national team, passed away at the age of 89. Boca Juniors announced the news with deep regret, honoring Rattín as an "idol and emblem" of the club. He was a stalwart for Boca over 14 professional seasons, accumulating 382 appearances, scoring 28 goals, and contributing to five national titles, as well as reaching the 1963 Copa Libertadores final.

Known affectionately as "Rata," Rattín was a symbol of tenacity and leadership for Boca Juniors. His legacy is cemented not only by his on-field achievements but also by a statue erected in his honor at the La Bombonera stadium in 2015. His influence extended to the national team, where he earned 33 caps and captained Argentina in the 1962 and 1966 World Cups.

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With great sorrow, we regret the passing of Antonio Ubaldo Rattín, an idol and emblem of our institution. We accompany his family and loved ones in this difficult time.

The 1966 World Cup quarter-final against hosts England remains a defining moment of Rattín's career. His repeated protests to the referee led to his expulsion, a rare event in an era before yellow and red cards. Rattín's refusal to leave the pitch for several minutes, his request for an interpreter, and his eventual departure, during which he famously grabbed and squeezed a corner flag adorned with the British flag, created a dramatic and enduring image in football history. This incident predated and amplified the intense rivalry between Argentina and England, further fueled by the Falklands War and Maradona's iconic performance in 1986.

Beyond his playing career, Rattín also ventured into coaching for clubs like Boca Juniors and managed national political roles, serving as a national deputy and a municipal councilor.

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Goodbye, Rata.