10/07/2026 10:47 - Economia
The Cuban-American Mas Canosa family, globally recognized for owning Inter Miami (the MLS club featuring soccer legend Lionel Messi) and for their close ties with former US President Donald Trump, has achieved a major milestone in Argentina. They secured the construction of a crucial gas pipeline in the highly coveted Vaca Muerta formation, one of the world's largest unconventional oil and gas reserves.
The consortium, spearheaded by Pumpco (part of the MasTec group), presented an offer that was 15% cheaper than that of their main competitor, the Argentine-Italian giant Techint-Sacde.
The announcement, made on July 10, 2026 as reported by La Política Online, marks the definitive landing of brothers Jorge and José Mas in Argentina's public works market. This is a goal they had pursued since previous administrations and finally materialized under the push of current President Javier Milei's government.
The Mas family's triumph resonates beyond the energy sector, spilling into politics and sports. Jorge Mas, the clan's leader, is globally known for presiding over Inter Miami, the club boasting stars like Lionel Messi, Rodrigo De Paul, and Javier Mascherano, with David Beckham as a co-owner. His closeness to Trump was such that he took the entire soccer team to the White House.
In the Argentine context, this result represents a defeat for the Techint Group, led by Paolo Rocca, and for businessman Marcelo Mindlin. President Javier Milei maintains a tense relationship with Rocca, nicknaming him 'Don Chatarrín'. Despite Techint's attempts to reverse the situation, the proposal led by Pumpco proved to be the most convenient for State interests and the export of liquefied natural gas through state energy company YPF, ENI, and XRG.
Although MasTec won the bid, the final confirmation of the project is still pending and is expected to occur between late 2026 and early 2027. This pipeline will be fundamental in consolidating Argentina as a highly relevant player in the global energy market.
Source: Imago News based on reports from La Política Online.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
