21/07/2026 22:44 - Politica
The final stretch of the World Cup left a series of misunderstandings between the Casa Rosada (Argentina's Government House) and the Argentina National Team, affectionately known as "La Scaloneta". What began as a strategy of silence and restraint ended in controversial statements, a canceled holiday, and a clear distancing from the public sentiment.
Before the semifinal against England, FIFA banned the entry of items with political messages, a decision backed by the national government. However, after the victory, the players displayed a flag reading "Las Malvinas son argentinas" (The Falklands are Argentine). President Javier Milei sparked controversy by calling it "miserable" for people to cling to the sovereignty cause to celebrate a football triumph. Spokesman Adrián Ravier had to clarify that the head of state "in no way questions the players," although within the ruling party, they admitted the issue was "mishandled and poorly communicated."
Lionel Messi had expressed in an interview his concern for "people who are struggling, who don't have a job or can't make ends meet." The official response was swift, led by Ravier, who stated, "We in the Government do not agree with this." He argued that families were paying more for services, but that it was "necessary to correct those prices" to generate investments, creating a new disconnect with Argentine football's biggest star.
After the defeat in the final against Spain on July 19, 2026, Milei surprised everyone by announcing on social media that he would decree a national holiday to celebrate the squad's return. However, the initiative lost steam when it was confirmed that Messi would travel directly to Miami and the team was not in the mood for massive celebrations. Finally, on July 20, 2026, the team arrived at Ezeiza International Airport on an Aerolíneas Argentinas flight, where they were received in a protocolary manner without the presence of any political officials, exactly as requested by the coaching staff.
Amidst the World Cup euphoria and subsequent disappointment, Milei attended the Buenos Aires Stock Exchange on Thursday night. He began giving an academic lecture on economic growth theories but was interrupted by a member who shouted, "Finish it!" The president became nervous, shifted to a combative tone, and took the opportunity to confirm he will seek re-election in 2027.
Internal mea culpa: Sources within the ruling party acknowledged they tried to keep everyone silent, but to no avail. The lack of communication with the AFA (Argentine Football Association) and unreciprocated gestures from the players resulted in a strategy that disappointed the Casa Rosada itself.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
