AGP Executive Report

Energy Investment: TotalEnergies plans to invest about $10 billion in Argentina, including new wells in Tierra del Fuego and expanded gas production in Neuquén. Eni expects a year-end decision on a major Vaca Muerta-linked LNG export project. University Funding: Thousands marched against Milei’s university funding law last week; protests ended in clashes, and more than 30 people were detained. Environment: A court halted a land sale near the Perito Moreno Glacier, sending the dispute toward Argentina’s Supreme Court. Buenos Aires also plans to expand Costanera Sur Ecological Reserve by 14 hectares. Football: River Plate beat Belgrano 3-0, with World Cup winner Thiago Almada among the scorers.

Falklands Dispute: Washington has warned Javier Milei’s government that proposed sanctions over resource development in the Falklands could affect US companies, and reportedly urged Argentina to freeze or amend the bill. Buenos Aires is also seeking international action to halt a UK-backed oil project near the islands. Pope’s Visit: Pope Leo says he will gradually resume duties after lung cancer surgery; his surgeon sees no medical reason to cancel the planned November trip to Argentina, Uruguay and Peru. Economy: September inflation was 1.9%, while the IMF is pressing Argentina to broaden its VAT base. Milei’s 2027 budget proposal would also end automatic indexation of child benefits. Football: Lionel Messi scored twice as Inter Miami beat Atlanta 3-1, taking his MLS-leading season tally to 25. Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, meanwhile, had successful jaw surgery after a collision and expects to return in a few weeks.

Messi’s MLS Run: Lionel Messi scored twice in four minutes as Inter Miami beat Atlanta United 3-1, taking his league-leading tally to 25. Martínez Injury: Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez says he’ll return in a few weeks after surgery for a fractured jaw suffered in Chelsea’s win over Everton. Pope’s Argentina Visit: Pope Leo XIV has left hospital after lung cancer surgery; his surgeon says there are no medical reasons to stop his planned November trip to Argentina, Uruguay and Peru. University Protests: A march over university funding in Argentina ended with 31 arrests and 10 people reported injured. Economic Pressures: September inflation was 1.9%, bringing the annual rate to 33.4%, while Argentina remains the IMF’s largest debtor. Malvinas Dispute: Argentina has taken its challenge to a UK-backed oil project near the Falkland Islands to an international tribunal.

Martínez Injury: Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez was taken to hospital after a head clash during Chelsea’s win at Everton. He was conscious, with tests pending. Pope’s Argentina Visit: Pope Leo XIV left hospital after lung cancer surgery, and his surgeon said he should be fit for his planned Nov. 6–17 trip to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru. University Funding Protests: Demonstrations against cuts to public universities ended with 31 arrests and injuries; the government has filed a criminal complaint against protesters. Malvinas Oil Dispute: Argentina has taken its opposition to UK-backed oil development near the Falklands/Malvinas to an international maritime tribunal, seeking to halt drilling. Critical Minerals: Argentina joined seven countries launching World Bank-backed plans to develop local mineral industries, jobs and skills.

UN Race: Argentina’s Rafael Grossi won eight encouraging votes in the latest Security Council poll for secretary-general, but six members opposed him, including two permanent powers. Football: Argentina will open its post-Messi era with friendlies against Uruguay in Buenos Aires on Nov. 13 and Costa Rica in Córdoba four days later. Boca Juniors came from behind to beat Talleres 2-1, with Leonel Flores scoring the winner. University Funding: A protest against Milei’s education cuts ended with 31 arrests and injuries, as the government also scored a congressional win against efforts to overturn its decree. Falklands Dispute: Argentina has asked an international tribunal to halt British oil exploration near the islands, escalating a dispute over sovereignty and offshore resources. Economy: September inflation was 1.9%, while the IMF cut its 2026 growth forecast for Argentina to 2.1%.

Flood Emergency: El Niño-driven rains are swelling rivers across northeastern Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay. In Corrientes, the Paraná reached dangerous levels, prompting evacuations and a scramble to move cattle to higher ground. University Protests: Thousands marched against Milei’s funding cuts and demanded implementation of the university funding law; demonstrations in Buenos Aires ended in clashes and injuries. Falklands Dispute: Argentina is seeking international action to halt British-linked oil exploration near the islands, while a Milei adviser’s inflammatory comments about Britain have further inflamed the row. Economy: Economy Minister Luis Caputo dismissed recession fears and forecast a fourth-quarter rebound, despite recent contractions and concerns about slowing growth. Football: Argentina will face Uruguay in Buenos Aires on November 13 and Costa Rica in Córdoba four days later, its first friendlies since Lionel Messi’s farewell to the national team. Papal Visit: Pope Leo XIV is recovering after lung cancer surgery and plans a public appearance Sunday; preparations for his November trip to Argentina, Uruguay and Peru are continuing.

Papal Health: Pope Leo XIV’s lung is recovering well after cancer surgery, and he has resumed work from hospital; his planned South American visit remains uncertain. University Protests: Thousands marched against Milei’s education cuts, while students occupied university buildings and demonstrations ended in clashes with police and detentions. Falklands Dispute: Milei’s bill to toughen penalties over unauthorised oil and resource activity near the islands stalled in committee, as Argentina also asked an international tribunal to halt the Sea Lion oil project. Milei Abroad: In Washington, the president backed Donald Trump ahead of the US midterms and met with investors. Football: Estudiantes held defending champions Flamengo to a 0-0 draw in La Plata in the first leg of their Copa Libertadores semifinal. Live Music: U2 announced a 2027 stadium tour with a Buenos Aires stop, alongside new single “The Greatest Show On Earth.”

Falklands Dispute: Argentina is taking the UK-Israeli Sea Lion oil project to an international tribunal, as Britain warns against what it calls “economic coercion.” Economic Pressure: The IMF is urging Javier Milei’s government to broaden the VAT base by ending exemptions. Argentina and the US have also amended their trade deal in a bid to secure ratification and investment. Pope’s Visit: Doctors say Pope Leo XIV is recovering well after surgery to remove a cancerous lung lobe, but his planned November visit to Argentina, Uruguay and Peru remains uncertain. Buenos Aires: Rain and a cold front are expected to bring unsettled weather to the capital and surrounding area. Live Music: U2 will play River Plate stadium on March 23 and 25, 2027, with Beck opening.

Falklands Oil Dispute: Argentina is asking an international tribunal to halt the Sea Lion oil project near the islands, while the UK says it will defend companies working under Falklands-issued licences and has accused Buenos Aires of economic coercion. Inflation and Taxes: Consumer prices rose 1.9% in September, bringing annual inflation to 33.4%. The IMF is urging Argentina to broaden the tax base by removing VAT exemptions as part of its fiscal reforms. Milei in Washington: President Javier Milei backed Donald Trump ahead of the US midterms, calling the vote important for the West and urging conservatives to press their political push across the Americas. Pope’s Planned Visit: Pope Leo XIV is recovering after surgery to remove a cancerous lung tumour. His November trip to Argentina, Uruguay and Peru remains scheduled, but its future is uncertain. Boxing: Former Argentine world champion Jorge “Locomotora” Castro has died at 59 after collapsing at a bingo hall in Morón.

Falklands Dispute: Argentina has asked an international maritime tribunal to halt UK-linked oil exploration near the islands, escalating a sovereignty dispute as Britain vows to protect companies operating there. Economy: September inflation was 1.9%, bringing the annual rate to 33.4%. Economy Minister Luis Caputo said Argentina could use its currency swap with China if it cannot refinance local-law dollar bonds needed for 2027 financing. Milei’s Washington Visit: The president is heading to the US to strengthen ties with Donald Trump’s administration, as investor concerns mount ahead of Argentina’s 2027 election. Pope’s Planned Visit: Pope Leo XIV is recovering normally after lung cancer surgery, but uncertainty remains over his November tour of Uruguay, Argentina and Peru. The Vatican says the trip remains scheduled; Peru’s president has warned it may need changes. Flood Readiness: Buenos Aires has stepped up El Niño preparations with rescue and flood-response training.

Malvinas Oil Dispute: Argentina asked an international maritime tribunal to halt the Sea Lion oil project and block new permits near the disputed islands. The UK says it will protect companies from Argentine sanctions and insists islanders can develop local resources. Economy: September inflation was 1.9%, keeping the monthly rate below 2% for a second month, while annual inflation reached 33.4%. The IMF cut its 2026 growth forecast for Argentina to 2.1%. Pope’s Visit: Pope Leo XIV is recovering after surgery for lung cancer. His planned November trip to Argentina, Uruguay and Peru remains on the schedule for now, though his recovery has raised questions about whether it can go ahead. Lithium: Rio Tinto expects Argentina’s Sal de Vida project to ramp up more slowly than planned, putting its full-year lithium production near the bottom of its forecast range. Football: Lionel Messi has played his final match for Argentina, then scored twice for Inter Miami in his first game after the farewell.

Malvinas Dispute: Argentina asked the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea to halt UK-authorized oil activity in the North Falkland Basin, arguing it threatens Argentina’s rights over its continental shelf. Economic Outlook: The IMF cut its 2026 growth forecast for Argentina to 2.1%. University Funding: Argentines are preparing to march to demand more funding for universities. Córdoba Gathering: Hundreds of thousands attended the Oct. 10–12 gathering of women and gender-diverse people, with workshops and events involving activists from across Latin America and Kurdistan. UN Vote: Argentina joined the US and Israel in opposing a pandemic preparedness declaration, adopted by the General Assembly with 153 votes in favor and three against.

Milei in Washington: President Javier Milei heads to the US for his fifth visit of the year, seeking investors and meeting oil executives with interests in Argentina’s Vaca Muerta shale fields. University Funding: Argentines are preparing to march to demand more funding for universities, adding pressure over public spending and education. Iguazú Falls: Heavy El Niño-linked rains briefly shut tourist access as river flows surged above six times average; the park said it would reopen Tuesday as levels fell. Football: Lanús beat Vélez Sarsfield 2-0, handing the league leaders their first defeat of the campaign. Lionel Messi also scored twice for Inter Miami in his first club match since bidding farewell to Argentina’s national team.

Milei’s U.S. Visit: Javier Milei is due in Washington this week to reinforce ties with the Trump administration, though a meeting with Trump has not been confirmed. Falklands Tensions: The UK says it will uphold the islands’ status and has opened an investigation into reports of harassment of residents; Argentina continues to dispute British sovereignty. Economy and Crypto: Argentina’s central bank sees no near-term move to let banks offer crypto services, citing economic fragility. Messi’s Return: In his first match after bidding farewell to Argentina’s national team, Lionel Messi scored twice as Inter Miami beat D.C. United 4–0. Pope’s Planned Visit: Pope Leo XIV is set for lung surgery, but the Vatican says his November trip to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru remains on schedule.

Football: Ángel Di María scored twice as Rosario Central thrashed Independiente Rivadavia 5-0 to move top of its Clausura group. Lionel Messi also marked his first Inter Miami game since retiring from Argentina duty with a brace in a 4-0 win over D.C. United. Malvinas Dispute: Argentina says it is preparing UNCLOS arbitration against the UK over the Sea Lion oil project in the North Malvinas Basin and has demanded steps to halt development. Business: Chinese automakers are gaining ground in Argentina’s newly opened market, reaching 10% of car and light-commercial vehicle sales in August; a Buenos Aires show featuring more than 20 Chinese brands drew over 30,000 visitors. Environment: Satellite monitoring reports that Perito Moreno Glacier retreated 910 metres in 100 days, raising fresh concern about climate impacts in Patagonia. Argentina’s Supreme Court has also suspended Milei’s repeal of the glacier-protection law. Media: Editorial Perfil has sued OpenAI and Microsoft in Argentina, alleging unauthorized use of its journalism and unfair competition.

Messi’s Next Chapter: Days after his emotional Argentina farewell in Buenos Aires, Lionel Messi scored twice as Inter Miami beat D.C. United 4-0, taking his MLS-leading tally to 23 goals. Pope’s Argentina Visit: Pope Leo XIV will undergo surgery to remove an early-detected lung nodule and is expected to recover for about a week. He still plans to visit Argentina, Uruguay and Peru in November; the Vatican has not confirmed whether his schedule will change. Economic Policy: Argentina’s Central Bank rejected near-term crypto banking integration, while the government advances plans to privatize Buenos Aires’ water company. Land and Environment: The Supreme Court suspended Milei’s repeal of the land law amid protests over land sales. In Salta, environmentalists say bulldozers cleared 1,300 hectares of native forest, affecting Wichí communities. Women’s Gathering: Thousands have gathered in Córdoba for Argentina’s 39th Plurinational Women and Gender-Diverse People’s Gathering.