50 years of MHSC: Tino Costa, the Argentinian metronome, architect of the 2009 comeback

A celebration that has become a classic for the Argentinian midfielder, who scored 15 goals in two seasons at MHSC. Midi Libre – RICHARD DE HULLESSEN

The Franco-Argentinian bewitched La Mosson for two years with his exceptional left foot and grinta. A favorite of the public, he was also the illustration of a conquering and European Montpellier since his return to the elite. 

A special issue of 84 pages

Condensing half a century of history into 84 pages. This is the challenge taken up by the sports editorial team of Midi Libre in this special issue on the 50th anniversary of the MHSC. Available on newsstands on December 11 for only 5 euros, this glossy magazine will allow you to relive the great moments in the history of the Montpellier club through our “50” who made the MHSC.

Players, coaches and builders, of course, starting with this "Nicollin Saga", told by Laurent and Colette, the wife of the late Loulou. A special edition full of anecdotes and unpublished photos with an exclusive interview with Olivier Giroud.

A special issue available on newsstands. Midi Libre

He is one of those players whose brief spell has left a deep mark on the film in the album of memories. When the Franco-Argentinian arrived from Sète in the summer of 2008 with the label of best passer in Ligue 2, we quickly guessed that Tino Costa was cut from an extraordinary alloy. Rolland Courbis, who is finally aiming for a return to Ligue 1, understands that he must make it the leader of the midfield.

A fabulous popularity rating among young supporters. Midi Libre – RICHARD DE HULLESSEN

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With his handsome face of a touchy Latino, his hair in the wind and his devastating left paw, “Tino” quickly wins over the supporters. At the club shop, his jerseys are snapped up like the relic of a miracle worker.

“When he put the ball down, we knew something was going to happen”

“He was a joker but a hard worker. When he put the ball down for a set piece, we knew something was going to happen”, remembers Jamel Saihi, the other essential midfielder at the time. His millimeter-perfect missiles for Marveaux's head are a devastating classic.

Tino Costa multiplied the gestures of great class, in training as in competition. Midi Libre – JEAN MICHEL MART

The summit of this page of gentle madness, the comeback match in May 2009 against Strasbourg. “A fabulous evening with a goal, an assist, emotions, an incredible match, remembers Tino. But behind all that, a story with the dream of becoming a Montpellier player, in Ligue 1 no less. I've known atmospheres but this one has a special place in my memory.”

Also read: 50 years of MHSC: Rolland Courbis in Montpellier, two adventures and a whole novel

Girard: “With guys like that, you could travel far”

The following year, René Girard also entrusted him with the keys, aware that “You can travel far with guys like that who aren't afraid of anything.” Qualification for the Europa League is on the cards, but with three years left on his contract, Tino is fighting to sign for Valencia.

Tino Costa with the legendary red jersey during the club's 50th anniversary match, on November 16, 2024. Midi Libre – JEAN-MICHEL MART

The club will eventually give in for a check for 6.5 million euros. The fans mourn their idol who left too soon. But another talented “gaucho”, a certain Marco Estrada, will quickly manage to fill the void.

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