AGP Executive Report

Malvinas Dispute: Argentina has asked the Law of the Sea tribunal to order a halt to UK-backed oil and gas work near the islands, arguing it threatens its continental-shelf rights. London says it will protect companies from Argentine sanctions and insists islanders can develop local resources. Economy: Inflation rose to 1.9% in September, taking the annual rate to 33.4%, while the IMF cut its 2026 growth forecast for Argentina to 2.1%. Flooding: El Niño-driven rises in the Paraná and Uruguay rivers forced evacuations in Corrientes and Alvear; Iguazú Falls have since reopened after a temporary closure. Football: Lionel Messi has bid farewell to Argentina’s national team, then scored twice for Inter Miami in his first match back.**

Falklands Oil Dispute: Argentina has asked an international maritime tribunal to temporarily halt the UK-authorised Sea Lion oil project, escalating a sovereignty dispute as Britain backs development of a field estimated to hold 1.7 billion barrels. London called Buenos Aires’ actions economic coercion. Economic Outlook: The IMF nearly halved Argentina’s 2026 growth forecast to 2.1%, citing weak activity and domestic demand, and also raised its inflation and unemployment estimates. Milei’s US Visit: President Javier Milei is heading to Washington for his fifth US trip this year, seeking investment and closer ties with Donald Trump. Iguazu Falls: Argentina temporarily closed the falls to visitors after heavy rain drove water levels sharply higher. University Funding: Argentines are preparing to march over university funding, adding to pressure on Milei’s austerity agenda.

Milei’s Washington Visit: Javier Milei heads to the US for his fifth visit this year, meeting business leaders and promoting investment in Argentina, including its Vaca Muerta energy sector. Extreme Weather: Iguazu Falls briefly closed to tourists after river flows surged to more than six times the average amid heavy El Niño-fuelled rain; access is expected to reopen as waters recede. Economic Outlook: The IMF cut its Latin America growth forecast for 2026 to 2.3%, citing an energy shock and limited gains from the AI boom. University Funding: Students, unions and social groups plan to march in Buenos Aires this week, pressing Milei’s government to fund public universities and opposing emergency decree DNU 70/23. Lithium Development: Catamarca approved the environmental assessment for Lake Resources’ Kachi project, clearing a major hurdle as the company moves to engineering and financing work.

Milei’s U.S. Visit: Javier Milei is heading to Washington for talks with U.S. officials, seeking to reinforce his alliance with President Donald Trump. Falklands Tensions: Britain’s prime minister vowed to uphold the islanders’ wish to remain British and opened an investigation into alleged harassment, after Milei renewed Argentina’s sovereignty claim. Agriculture: A USDA forecast puts Argentina’s 2026–27 soybean crop at 52.5 million tonnes, up 4% year on year, with super El Niño conditions expected to boost yields. Maradona Trial: The closing arguments continue in the case over Diego Maradona’s death; prosecutors have sought prison terms for members of his medical team. Business: Cable and broadband provider Telecentro is buying rival Iplan for about US$260 million, adding more than a million fibre homes. Football: Benin’s assistant coach accused Argentina’s players of refusing post-match contact after Lionel Messi’s farewell game; Argentina has not responded in the reports provided.

Messi’s Return: Four days after bidding farewell to Argentina, Lionel Messi scored twice as Inter Miami beat D.C. United 4-0. He now leads MLS with 23 goals. Pope’s Health: Pope Leo XIV says he will have surgery to remove an early-stage lung nodule, with about a week’s recovery expected. The operation comes weeks before his planned visit to Argentina, Uruguay and Peru. Car Market Shift: Chinese brands captured 10% of Argentina’s car and light commercial vehicle sales in August, up from about 2% in late 2025, as import rules loosen. More than 30,000 people visited Buenos Aires’ first Chinese auto show. Public Assets: AySA, Buenos Aires’ water utility, is set to return to private hands in a reported US$340 million deal. Coastal Oversight: Mar del Plata residents and opposition councilors are seeking answers about construction and sand movement near a protected southern-beach reserve. Animal Welfare: Authorities rescued four caged birds and shut a Villa Urquiza supermarket after a complaint about illegal bird sales.

Messi’s Next Act: Four days after his emotional Argentina farewell in Buenos Aires, Lionel Messi scored twice as Inter Miami beat D.C. United 4-0. He now leads MLS with 23 goals, while Miami climbed to second in the Eastern Conference. Land Dispute: Argentina’s Supreme Court suspended Milei’s repeal of the land law, as protesters rallied against plans to allow unlimited land sales. Economy: Buenos Aires city inflation reached 1.8% in September, ahead of national figures, while markets cut growth forecasts amid recession concerns. Maradona Trial: Closing arguments are underway in the case over Diego Maradona’s death, with prosecutors pursuing an intentional-homicide charge. Pope’s Visit: Pope Leo XIV plans surgery to remove an early-stage lung nodule; the Vatican has not said whether it will affect his Nov. 6–17 trip to Argentina, Uruguay and Peru.

Messi’s New Chapter: Four days after his emotional Argentina farewell, Lionel Messi scored twice in Inter Miami’s 4-0 win over D.C. United. He now has 23 MLS goals this season, and Miami climbed to second in the Eastern Conference. Land Rights: Argentina’s Supreme Court suspended Milei’s repeal of a land law as protesters rallied against plans to allow broader land sales. Energy and Economy: Reports point to growing data-centre investment and describe Argentina as being on the brink of an energy boom, though turning that promise into a larger global role remains a challenge. Severe Weather: Storms and hail battered the farm belt and caused flooding in Rosario. Club Football: River Plate beat Estudiantes Río Cuarto 1-0, while Boca captain Leandro Paredes faces a hamstring injury that could rule him out of the Copa Sudamericana semi-final against Vasco da Gama.

Land and Politics: Argentina’s Supreme Court suspended Milei’s repeal of the land law as protesters rallied against selling off large areas. Tech Investment: Milei is pitching Argentina as a data-centre hub, but major projects remain at the announcement stage and their heavy energy needs pose a challenge. Football: Boca Juniors drew 2-2 away to Instituto, while Juan Manuel Cerúndolo fell 6-3, 6-3 to Carlos Alcaraz at the Shanghai Masters. Messi’s Farewell: Lionel Messi ended his 21-year Argentina career with a goal and two assists in a 3-0 win over Benin; FIFA also reported Argentina was the World Cup’s most targeted team online. Courts: Prosecutors are seeking prison terms of up to 12 years for doctors accused of negligence in Diego Maradona’s death. Cost of Travel: New airport fees are set to push up domestic flight prices.

Land Ownership: Argentina’s Supreme Court provisionally restored the 15% cap on foreign ownership of rural land, suspending Javier Milei’s repeal while a legal challenge proceeds. The ruling follows protests over fears the country’s territory could be sold without limits. Messi’s Farewell: Lionel Messi ended his Argentina career with a goal and two assists in a 3-0 win over Benin before 85,000 fans in Buenos Aires. Benin coach Gernot Rohr later accused Argentina’s players of refusing photos and shirt swaps. Maradona Trial: Prosecutors are seeking a 12-year sentence and a 10-year medical ban for former personal physician Leopoldo Luque, accusing him of intentional homicide in Maradona’s death. Pumas: Argentina hired renowned defence coach Shaun Edwards to help prepare the rugby team for next year’s World Cup in Australia.

Messi’s Farewell: Lionel Messi ended his Argentina career with a goal and two assists in a 3-0 win over Benin in Buenos Aires. Benin’s coach later accused Argentina’s players of refusing photos and shirt swaps. Malvinas Dispute: Javier Milei is preparing legal action to halt the Sea Lion oil project near the disputed islands after Britain rejected his deadline; Argentina’s draft 2027 budget also sets aside $3.5 billion in foreign loans for submarines and frigates. Public Assets: Buenos Aires water utility AySA is set to return to private hands in a reported US$340 million deal, ending two decades of state management. Los Pumas: Argentina has hired defence coach Shaun Edwards and brought back former head coach Mario Ledesma as it prepares for the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Food and Farming: A study found veterinary-drug residues in soil at all 27 Argentine beef feedlots examined, while chicken has overtaken beef as the country’s most-consumed meat. Culture: Argentine singer-songwriter Piero, best known for “Mi Viejo,” has died at 81.

Messi’s Farewell: Lionel Messi confirmed his Argentina career is over after a 3-0 win over Benin, scoring once and assisting twice in front of more than 85,000 fans in Buenos Aires. He leaves with 208 appearances and 126 goals; Cristiano Ronaldo paid tribute to his longtime rival. Beef and Environment: A study of 27 Argentine feedlots found antimicrobial residues in the soil, including compounds researchers say could contribute to antimicrobial resistance. Water Privatization: Argentina agreed to sell 90% of state water utility AySA for US$340 million, returning the company to private hands after 20 years. It serves about 14 million people in the Buenos Aires metro area. AMIA Case: The government is considering taking the 1994 bombing case to international courts, seeking justice for the attack that killed 85 people and for which Iranian officials have been accused. Maradona Trial: Prosecutors have requested prison terms of up to 12 years for medical professionals accused of negligence in Diego Maradona’s death.

Maradona Trial: Prosecutors opened closing arguments in the trial of seven medical professionals accused of failing to provide adequate care before Diego Maradona’s 2020 death. Messi’s Farewell: Lionel Messi ended his Argentina career with a goal and two assists in a 3-0 win over Benin in Buenos Aires. He leaves with 208 appearances and 126 goals; Benin’s coach later said security blocked post-match photos and shirt swaps. AySA Sale: A consortium bid US$340.2 million for 90% of the state water utility, which serves about 14 million people in Buenos Aires and surrounding districts. Economic Strains: Buenos Aires City inflation edged up to 1.8% in September. Banks are also leaning on government bonds for earnings as lending stalls amid a slowing economy. Lollapalooza 2027: Travis Scott, Charli xcx, The Killers and David Guetta will headline the Buenos Aires festival, set for March 12–14 at the San Isidro racecourse.

Messi’s Farewell: Lionel Messi ended his 21-year Argentina career with a goal and two assists in a 3-0 win over Benin before 85,000 fans in Buenos Aires. The 208-cap, 126-goal record-holder called representing Argentina the greatest joy of his life; Cristiano Ronaldo set aside their rivalry to salute his lasting legacy. University Funding: A federal court ruled Javier Milei’s decree suspending the University Financing Law unconstitutional and ordered the government to transfer funds to public universities. Music: Argentine-Italian singer-songwriter Piero, famed for the classic “Mi Viejo” and his protest songs, died in Buenos Aires at 81.

Messi’s Farewell: Lionel Messi ended his 21-year Argentina career with a goal and two assists in a 3-0 win over Benin, as more than 85,000 fans gathered in Buenos Aires to celebrate the national icon. Maradona Trial: The case against seven members of Diego Maradona’s medical team is nearing its final stage, with prosecutors arguing his death was preventable and defendants denying negligence. Citizenship Plan: Argentina’s new investment scheme offers citizenship for a $350,000 contribution or an $800,000 bond, aiming to attract wealthy foreign applicants. Mining and Energy: Glencore’s RIGI approval advances its Argentine copper project, while POSCO has completed an upstream stage at its second lithium plant. Land Rights: Protesters marched against repeal of a law restricting foreign ownership of rural land, warning of a loss of national sovereignty. Deep-Sea Discovery: Researchers identified 57 new marine species off Argentina, expanding knowledge of the country’s little-explored waters.

Messi Farewell in Buenos Aires: Lionel Messi closed his 21-year Argentina international career with a 3-0 friendly win over Benin at the Estadio Monumental, scoring a penalty (71’) and providing two assists as Nicolas Otamendi and Nico Paz also found the net; the sold-out crowd of about 85,000 turned the match into a full national send-off with a guard of honour, fireworks, drone tributes, and Messi’s emotional speech about how “playing for the Argentine national team” was the best thing that ever happened to him. Lithium Push: POSCO completed its second lithium plant in Argentina near Salar del Hombre Muerto, boosting capacity to roughly 48,000 tons a year and feeding downstream processing in South Korea. Flybondi Turmoil: The troubled Argentine airline Flybondi filed for creditor protection after months of financial strain and a reported flight disruption. Sports Elsewhere: In MLB playoffs, the Padres avoided elimination with a 4-3 NLDS win over the Brewers, while the Dodgers took a 2-1 lead over the Braves behind Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s dominant outing.

Messi Farewell in Buenos Aires: Lionel Messi is set for his final Argentina appearance, the 208th cap, in a friendly vs Benin at Estadio Monumental (Tuesday night local time), with the match framed as “The Night That No One Wants to End.” Records & Legacy: Argentina’s coach Lionel Scaloni says “only nostalgia remains,” while Messi’s international résumé closes with 125 goals and a stack of national-team records, including World Cup appearances and goals. Honor Beyond Football: The University of Buenos Aires is granting Messi an honorary doctorate ahead of the game. Final Message: Messi’s last note to fans—posted by Adidas—says he leaves “in peace” and thanks supporters for the love he’s received. Crowd & Controversy: Ticket resales have sparked anger, with reports of steep markups and black-market demand. Rugby Spotlight: Argentina, Uruguay, Chile and Brazil submitted a joint bid to host the 2035 Rugby World Cup, with World Rugby to decide later. Energy Investment: TotalEnergies outlined a roughly $10B Argentina portfolio, including up to $1.5B for an offshore project off Tierra del Fuego.