AGP Executive Report

Milei and Politics: A federal judge dropped the investigation into President Javier Milei and his sister over the collapsed $LIBRA meme coin, after prosecutors sought its dismissal. Argentina also designated foreign cartels and guerrilla groups as terrorist organisations. Energy and Investment: Chevron is pushing to expand production in Vaca Muerta, while First Quantum is preparing tax-break plans for its proposed $5.3 billion Taca Taca copper project. The IDB approved a $200 million guarantee to strengthen Argentina’s electricity network. Falklands Dispute: Buenos Aires has sought an international ruling to stop a UK-backed oil project near the islands, sharpening tensions over offshore drilling. Football: Lionel Messi received Spain’s Princess of Asturias Award for Sports, becoming the first footballer to win it individually. Estudiantes also stunned defending champions Flamengo on penalties to reach the Copa Libertadores final. Pope’s Visit: Pope Leo cancelled a planned Assisi trip while recovering from lung surgery; his November tour of Argentina, Uruguay and Peru remains on the schedule.

Energy and Infrastructure: The IDB approved a $200 million guarantee for electricity-transmission projects expected to benefit 16 million users. Security: Milei’s government designated five foreign cartels and guerrilla groups as terrorist organisations, citing threats to Argentines and their assets. Economic Pressure: Inflation has fallen sharply, but weak spending and rising costs are squeezing businesses; economists warn Argentina may be entering recession. Resources and Diplomacy: Investment in Vaca Muerta oil and gas and mining is gathering pace, while Argentina is seeking a UN ruling over a UK-backed oil project near the Falklands and says it will pursue sovereignty diplomatically. Football: Estudiantes reached the Copa Libertadores final after goalkeeper Fernando Muslera saved three penalties against Flamengo; they face Palmeiras on November 28. Maradona Trial: The verdict in the case over Diego Maradona’s death is due December 22, after his daughter made an emotional plea for justice. Messi: The Argentine star received Spain’s Princess of Asturias Award for Sports, becoming the first footballer to win it alone.

Falklands Dispute: Argentina asked an international maritime tribunal to halt the UK-backed Sea Lion oil project near the islands, claiming its seabed rights were breached. President Javier Milei says Argentina will pursue sovereignty through diplomacy, not military action; the UK rejects the tribunal’s authority. Security Policy: Milei’s government designated five Latin American criminal and guerrilla groups as terrorist organizations, aligning with the United States. Politics and Protests: Patricia Bullrich says she is “ready” to be president but has not announced a 2027 run. Separately, protests against university funding cuts ended in clashes and arrests as lawmakers debated government measures. Economy: Fresh reports point to a weak recovery and rising recession concerns, while election fears have weighed on bonds and a major rail privatization effort hit a setback. Maradona Trial: A defense lawyer called doctor Leopoldo Luque a “scapegoat” and sought his acquittal in the case over the football legend’s death. Messi: The Argentine star received Spain’s Princess of Asturias Award for Sport and paid tribute to his late father.

Weather: Storm alerts warn of winds up to 70 km/h and heavy rain across Buenos Aires and northeastern Argentina today. Economy: Argentina’s recovery remains sluggish after a sharp drop, while a bond sell-off has pushed country risk to its highest level in 11 months. Grupo México’s withdrawal from a rail privatization deal is another setback for Milei’s investment drive. Politics: Milei’s Madrid appearance has reignited tensions with Spain, which condemned his insults against Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. He again ruled out military action over the Falklands, backing a diplomatic approach. Education: The International Finance Corporation will provide up to US$20 million to support Universidad Siglo 21’s new campuses in Villa María and Río Cuarto. Maradona Trial: A defense lawyer called doctor Leopoldo Luque a “scapegoat” in closing arguments over the football legend’s 2020 death; prosecutors are seeking a 12-year sentence. Rugby: Argentina named a 33-player training squad for November’s Nations Championship tests against Ireland, Italy and France.

Football: Argentina’s Nico Paz scored twice and set up another as Como stunned Manchester United 4-1, making the 22-year-old the youngest Argentine since Lionel Messi to contribute to three goals in a Champions League match. Economy: Activity rose just 0.1% in August after July’s steep fall, while Argentine bonds slumped amid concerns over growth, debt payments and Milei’s re-election prospects. Politics and Investment: Milei’s attacks on Spain’s Pedro Sánchez drew condemnation from Madrid, while Brazil accused him of trying to sway its election. Grupo México’s withdrawal from the Belgrano Cargas rail privatisation is another setback for Milei’s investment drive. Falklands: Argentina and the UK are due to face off in November over a disputed oil project, with a hearing date set. Environment: Scientists are alarmed by an unusual die-off of southern right whales off Patagonia; reports say more than 300 calves have died. Pope’s Visit: Doctors say Pope Leo needs no further cancer treatment, but it remains uncertain whether he will travel to Argentina and other South American countries next month. Maradona Trial: A doctor charged over Diego Maradona’s death was called a “scapegoat” by his defence as closing arguments continued.

Falklands Oil Dispute: An international maritime tribunal will hear Argentina’s case against the UK on November 10–11. Buenos Aires is seeking to halt the Sea Lion oil project near the Falklands; Britain plans to contest the request. Economic Pressures: Argentina’s country risk has reached an 11-month high, while a report says the number of companies is at its lowest in 19 years. Exports, however, have topped US$77 billion, with the country posting a trade surplus. Protests and Flooding: Two Buenos Aires subway workers were arrested during a protest that halted service. In Corrientes, rising Paraná River waters have caused flooding, evacuations and deaths. Politics: Javier Milei travelled to Spain to back the far-right Vox party ahead of elections, drawing criticism over foreign involvement in the campaign. Football: Boca Juniors beat Vasco da Gama 3–1 away to reach the Copa Sudamericana final, winning 3–2 on aggregate.

Buenos Aires Transit: Two subway workers were arrested during a labor protest, prompting the union to halt service and demand their release. Milei Abroad: The president visited Madrid during Argentina’s pre-election campaign, meeting conservative leaders Isabel Díaz Ayuso and Vox-linked figures but not Spain’s prime minister. Economy: Argentina has lost 32,290 companies since Milei took office, leaving the business count at its lowest since 2007; exports have reached $77 billion as the country posted another trade surplus. Flooding: The rising Paraná River brought evacuations and deaths in Corrientes, amid warnings of heavier, unusual rains linked to El Niño. Falklands Dispute: Argentina is pursuing an international case over UK-linked oil exploration, while Washington has questioned the UN decolonization committee that supports Buenos Aires’ claim. Football: Argentina’s under-17 women beat New Zealand 2–0, with Mercedes Diz scoring both goals. On the Calendar: U2 announced two Buenos Aires shows for March 2027 as part of its first world tour in eight years.

Energy and Economy: Javier Milei hailed an “underground revolution” as he promoted record oil output from Vaca Muerta and said Argentina was nearing one million barrels a day. Exports reached $77 billion as the country posted another trade surplus. Austerity and Protests: The government is pressing to shrink the public workforce, while police face a criminal complaint over their handling of a university march amid ongoing anger over education cuts. US Ties: Two senior Trump officials are expected in Buenos Aires as Milei seeks closer ties with Washington. Memory: Forensic investigators identified a dictatorship victim buried in a mass grave in Tucumán. Football: Lionel Messi’s 21-year international career has ended, with Argentina preparing friendlies against Uruguay and Costa Rica for the post-Messi era.

Defense and Malvinas: Argentina has classified a new military-equipment purchase, withholding its cost and details as tensions with the UK over the Falklands/Malvinas persist. Buenos Aires is also seeking an international tribunal order to halt the Sea Lion oil project. Public-Sector Cuts: President Javier Milei’s government is offering voluntary exit payments to up to 20,000 state workers, on top of more than 77,000 jobs already cut; the ATE union has called the plan coercive and announced protests. U.S. Ties: Senior U.S. officials are due in Buenos Aires this week for talks on business and security, as Milei’s government deepens ties with Washington. Universities: Mass demonstrations against university funding cuts have ended in clashes, injuries and arrests, while Milei secured a congressional win in the budget fight. Science: A research expedition off Mar del Plata that identified 57 new species has received an international award for its scientific impact.

Energy Investment: TotalEnergies plans to invest about $10 billion in Argentina, including expanding Vaca Muerta production; Eni expects a decision by year-end on its Argentina LNG project. Mining: NewPeak Metals has launched a funded 1,000-metre drilling program at its Las Opeñas gold project, targeting a higher-grade zone. Politics and Economy: Milei is seeking US support as Argentina faces economic pressure, with the IMF cutting its 2026 growth forecast to 2.1%. Thousands have also protested his university funding cuts, with demonstrations turning violent. Falklands Dispute: Argentina has taken the Sea Lion oil project near the islands to an international maritime tribunal, seeking to halt drilling as the UK pushes back.

Falklands Dispute: Washington has warned that Argentina’s proposed sanctions over resource development near the Falklands could hit US companies, urging Buenos Aires to freeze the bill or exempt them. Messi Watch: Lionel Messi scored twice and added an assist in Inter Miami’s 3-1 win over Atlanta, taking his career tally to 936 after retiring from Argentina’s national team. Pope’s Visit: Pope Leo thanked supporters after lung surgery and said he would gradually resume duties; his surgeon said there was no medical reason to cancel the planned November trip to Argentina, Uruguay and Peru. At Home: A Santa Cruz court halted a land sale near Perito Moreno Glacier, sending the case to the Supreme Court. Argentina has also paused local dollar bond sales as a major debt repayment burden approaches, while the IMF cut its 2026 growth forecast to 2.1%.

Football: Lionel Messi scored twice and added an assist as Inter Miami beat Atlanta 3-1; his 25 goals lead MLS, and he set a league record with at least 15 assists in three straight seasons. Argentinos Juniors moved second in Zone B with a 1-0 win over Banfield. Emiliano Martínez: The Argentina goalkeeper underwent surgery for a fractured jaw after a collision in Chelsea’s win over Everton. He expects to return in a few weeks. Education: Students, staff and professors staged their fifth nationwide march over university funding and pay, demanding that President Javier Milei’s government implement a funding law passed in 2025. Diplomacy: Pope Leo XIV left hospital after lung cancer surgery; his surgeon said there was no medical reason to cancel his planned November visit to Argentina, Uruguay and Peru. Sovereignty: Argentina has taken a UK-backed oil project near the Falkland Islands to an international tribunal, seeking to halt exploration. Culture: Expo Matear brought yerba mate tastings and traditions to Buenos Aires.

Emi Martínez: Argentina’s goalkeeper was taken to hospital after a head collision in Chelsea’s win over Everton. He was conscious and undergoing precautionary tests. Falklands Dispute: Argentina has taken the UK’s oil exploration near the islands to an international tribunal, seeking to halt the project. University Funding: Protests against education cuts ended in clashes, with 31 arrests and injuries; the government also filed a criminal complaint against marchers. Economy: The IMF cut Argentina’s 2026 growth forecast, while annual inflation stayed below 2% for a second month. President Javier Milei won a congressional vote despite mounting protests. Football: Argentina will play Uruguay and Costa Rica in November friendlies, beginning its post-Messi era. Flooding: El Niño-driven rains have swollen rivers and forced evacuations in Corrientes.

Flood Emergency: El Niño-linked downpours have swollen the Paraná, Uruguay and Iguazú rivers, flooding parts of northeastern Argentina and forcing thousands from their homes as residents and ranchers move to higher ground. University Funding: Thousands protested Milei’s cuts to public universities; the march ended in clashes, injuries and arrests, while the president scored a congressional win. Falklands Dispute: Argentina has taken its challenge to UK-backed oil exploration near the islands to an international tribunal, seeking to halt drilling and new permits. UN Race: Argentine candidate Rafael Grossi won eight encouraging votes in the latest Security Council poll for secretary-general, but two permanent members opposed him, as they did every contender. National Team: Argentina will meet Uruguay in Buenos Aires on November 13 and Costa Rica in Córdoba four days later for its first friendlies since Messi’s international retirement. Boca Juniors: Leonel Flores scored the winner in a 2-1 comeback against Talleres, keeping Boca second in their Clausura group.

University Funding: Thousands marched in Buenos Aires to demand Javier Milei’s government implement the public-university funding law. Clashes with police left at least 10 people injured and 31 detained. Flood Emergency: El Niño-driven rains have swollen rivers across northeastern Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay, forcing residents from their homes and ranchers to move cattle to higher ground. National Team: Argentina will face Uruguay in Buenos Aires on Nov. 13 and Costa Rica in Córdoba on Nov. 17, its first friendlies since Lionel Messi’s farewell. Falklands Dispute: Argentina is seeking international action to halt British oil exploration near the islands, while the UK has urged Interpol to reject Argentina’s arrest requests. Economy: The IMF cut its 2026 growth forecast for Argentina to 2.1%, even as inflation stayed below 2% for a second straight month.

University Funding: Thousands of students and union members staged a fifth national march demanding enforcement of the university funding law; demonstrations in Argentina ended in clashes and arrests. Economic Strains: Argentina paused local dollar-bond sales as a debt wall approaches. The IMF urged the government to broaden the VAT base, while Milei’s 2027 budget proposal would end automatic adjustments to child benefits. His personal image improved slightly, but ratings of the government and economy worsened. Falklands Dispute: Buenos Aires asked an international court to block a UK-Israeli oil project near the islands, escalating a sovereignty dispute that has also drawn a warning from London. U.S. Ties: Argentina and the United States amended a trade and investment deal as Milei promoted his economic agenda in Washington. Football: Lionel Messi assisted as Inter Miami clinched an MLS playoff berth.