​Luis Monti uniquely played in the World Cup Final for different nations

He received death threats in both

His grandaughter discusses his World Cup experiences

The FIFA World Football Museum is the proud holder of the Argentinian passport of Luis Monti, one of the greatest footballers of the 1920s and 1930s. Monti is the only player to have played in two consecutive Finals of the FIFA World Cup™ for two different countries. What makes this feat even more remarkable is that he played, on both occasions, facing death threats.

Luis Monti was known as “Doble Ancho” (Double Wide) because of his impressive physique. He wasn’t particularly tall, measuring just 1.70m, but he had an imposing presence. He was a tough midfielder, although he always played with a sense of fair play. Monti began his career with Club Huracan, but he soon ended up at San Lorenzo de Almagro, with his brother Enrique.

After his arrival in 1922, he soon established himself as a dominant midfielder in the Buenos Aires club’s Gasómetro stadium, winning three league titles in 1923, 1924 and 1927. Through his hard work, he was called up by Argentina in 1924, where he played a crucial role in reaching the Uruguay 1930 Final.

Argentina finished the tournament in second-place after being beaten by the hosts, and afterwards Monti emigrated to Italy. Playing a prominent role for Juventus, he won the league championship four times, and was called up to the Italian national team. He would earn the title of world champion in 1934 - making him the first and only player, to date, to compete in two World Cup Finals for different nations.

His most devoted fan is Lorena Monti, who is dedicated to preserving the memory of her grandfather. She has heard the story of death threats a thousand times, but she remembers 1930 in particular. “At half-time, when Argentina were leading 2-1, they said that if Argentina didn’t lose, they would kill my grandmother and my aunt.”

Various Argentinian players had received death threats, but none were as serious as the threat to Monti. By full time, the Uruguayans had fought back, and turned the game around fairly. Though likely to be disappointed by the defeat, Monti was able to breathe a sigh of relief knowing his family was safe.