AGP Executive Report

Arts & Culture: Argentina’s Embassy in Kuwait marked the country’s National Day with music and paintings inspired by Mendoza and Aconcagua, celebrating Argentine culture and friendship between the two nations. Messi Watch: Back at Inter Miami after his Argentina farewell, Lionel Messi scored twice in a 4–0 win over D.C. United. In Memoriam: Argentine singer-songwriter Piero, whose hit “Mi Viejo” became a Latin American classic, died at 81.

Messi’s Return: Fresh from his emotional Argentina farewell, Lionel Messi scored twice in Inter Miami’s 4-0 win over D.C. United. Argentine Football: Ángel Di María also struck twice, helping Rosario Central beat Independiente Rivadavia 5-0 and move top of its league group. Music: Argentine singer-songwriter Piero, best known for “Mi Viejo” and his protest songs, has died at 81. Animation: El Reino Infantil is bringing its digital hit “La Granja de Zenón” to the big screen in a planned 2028 movie. Maradona Trial: Prosecutors are seeking prison terms of up to 12 years for members of Diego Maradona’s medical team as closing arguments begin.

Messi’s Next Chapter: Four days after an emotional Argentina farewell, Lionel Messi scored twice as Inter Miami beat D.C. United 4-0. He also named Boca Juniors prospect Tomás Aranda among 10 young talents tipped to shape football’s future. Argentine Music: Singer-songwriter Piero, known for the generation-defining song “Mi Viejo” and his protest music, has died at 81. Children’s Entertainment: Buenos Aires-based Spiritum Entertainment is taking preschool series Bumpy the Bear to Mipcom, with Spain’s RTVE among its broadcasters. The producer is best known for hit Plim Plim. Books and Feminist Voices: Meaghan Beatley’s Sex and Dissent explores feminist resistance across Latin America and Spain, including Argentina’s #NiUnaMenos movement.

Messi’s Miami Return: Four days after his emotional Argentina farewell, Lionel Messi scored twice as Inter Miami beat D.C. United 4-0; Luis Suárez also netted a brace, ending Miami’s five-match winless run. Music: Argentine singer-songwriter Piero, whose “Mi Viejo” became a Latin American classic, has died at 81. Film: Argentine director Pablo Aparo’s documentary about life in the Falklands is set for screenings at Harbour Lights Cinema next week.

Film: Argentine director Pablo Aparo’s documentary on life in the Falklands will screen at Harbour Lights Cinema next week, drawing on interviews with island residents. Music: Piero, the Argentine singer-songwriter behind “Mi Viejo,” has died at 81; he was celebrated as a leading voice in Latin American songwriting. Messi’s Farewell: Lionel Messi closed his 21-year Argentina career with a goal and two assists in a 3-0 win over Benin. His emotional goodbye drew tributes from fans and longtime rival Cristiano Ronaldo. Travel: Bariloche and Argentina’s lake region made Lonely Planet’s list of 50 destinations to visit in 2027.

Messi’s Farewell: Lionel Messi ended his 21-year Argentina career with a goal and two assists in a 3-0 win over Benin. Cristiano Ronaldo paid tribute, while teammates and fans marked the emotional send-off. Argentine Music: Singer-songwriter Piero, the voice behind “Mi Viejo” and a defining figure in Latin American songwriting, has died at 81. Live Music: Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour is set to visit Argentina, but no support acts have been announced for its South American dates after a reshuffle prompted by Macklemore’s departure. Rugby: Argentina, Uruguay, Chile and Brazil have joined forces in a bid to host the 2035 Rugby World Cup.

Messi’s Farewell: Lionel Messi ended his Argentina career with a goal and two assists in a 3-0 win over Benin, cheered by more than 85,000 fans in Buenos Aires. Cristiano Ronaldo paid tribute, calling Messi’s achievements with Argentina a story that “will remain forever.” Music Legacy: Argentine singer-songwriter Piero, whose classics include “Mi Viejo” and “Soy Pan, Soy Paz, Soy Más,” died in Buenos Aires at 81. His socially conscious songs helped define a generation of Latin American music. Latin Touring: Live Nation is taking a majority stake in Chilean promoter Bizarro, aiming to bring more artists and larger shows to the region. Billboard also named Live Nation executive Hans Schafer among Latin music’s leading industry figures, citing his role in scaling Spanish-language stadium tours.

Messi’s Farewell: Lionel Messi confirmed his Argentina career is over after a 3-0 win over Benin, scoring once and assisting twice before more than 80,000 fans. Benin’s coach also criticized Argentina’s handling of his players, saying they were denied photos and shirt swaps. Music Legacy: Argentine singer-songwriter Piero, famed for “Mi Viejo” and his protest songs, has died at 81. Soda Stereo: The band’s current tour features an archival, digital presence of late frontman Gustavo Cerati, with the family’s approval; the tour is set to end this year. New Music: San Lorenzo artist Cuti Aradas discussed his album Patraix, a five-year project drawing on Argentine pop-rock and British influences.

Messi’s Farewell: Lionel Messi closed his Argentina career with a goal and two assists in a 3-0 win over Benin before a packed Buenos Aires crowd. Benin’s coach later complained that his players were denied shirt swaps and photos, while reports also described poor travel and match arrangements. Maradona Trial: Prosecutors began closing arguments in the case over Diego Maradona’s 2020 death, accusing his medical team of abandoning him to inadequate care; they are seeking prison terms for seven defendants. Music: Argentine singer-songwriter Piero, best known for “Mi Viejo,” has died at 81. His songs became a lasting part of Latin American musical memory.

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. Antonela Roccuzzo praised the love he earned from fans, while Cristiano Ronaldo saluted a legacy “that will last forever.” Music: Argentine singer-songwriter Piero, whose 1969 classic “Mi Viejo” became a Latin American favorite, has died at 81. His family remembered his songs and message of peace. Audiobooks: Spotify is expanding its audiobook service to more than 180 countries by year’s end, adding Spanish and other language catalogs to a library of over 350,000 titles.

Messi’s Farewell: Lionel Messi closed his 21-year Argentina career with a goal and two assists in a 3-0 win over Benin, before a packed Monumental crowd of more than 85,000. The University of Buenos Aires awarded him an honorary doctorate, and his first post-match message said he already missed wearing the national shirt. Cristiano Ronaldo replied with a tribute, calling Messi’s legacy everlasting. Cultural Spotlight: Argentine-born artist Anabella Bergero blends fashion, collage and Latin American imagery in work shaped by her years between Córdoba, Mexico City and Buenos Aires. Live Music: American Football will bring its tour to Argentina in November after releasing a Cure-inspired mash-up of “Boys Don’t Cry” and “Never Meant.”

Football Farewell: Lionel Messi closed his Argentina chapter with a 3-0 friendly win over Benin at the Monumental, scoring a penalty and adding two assists in front of an 85,000-strong crowd, then delivering an emotional speech about gratitude, his late father, and how “playing for Argentina” was the best thing. Stadium Spectacle: The night featured fireworks, music, drone tributes and a guard of honour as fans chanted his name and celebrated his No. 10 legacy. Club Tributes: River Plate named Messi an Honorary Member, while FC Barcelona praised his journey from the 2008 Beijing gold medal to his Albiceleste triumphs. Pop Culture & Courtroom Buzz: Shakira and Gerard Piqué returned to court in Barcelona over visitation plans for their sons. Entertainment Industry: Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival revealed its official selection, including José María Cabral’s “Woodpeckers” and Ray Panthaki’s debut “In Starland.” Travel/Leisure: Silversea unveiled its 2028/29 season with new S.A.L.T. Culinary Voyages and festival-focused sailings.

Farewell Fever (Football): Lionel Messi’s final Argentina match vs Benin at the Monumental is set to be a full-on national event, with Messi posting a heartfelt goodbye message (“The moment has arrived… Thank you for loving me so much”) and fans flooding Buenos Aires ahead of kickoff. Tribute Wave (Music/Pop Culture): Neymar also sent an emotional farewell, while Di María called Messi “the greatest player in history,” and even the University of Buenos Aires is set to honor him with an honorary doctorate. Match-Day Details (Sports Media): Multiple outlets are publishing where to watch, kick-off times, and lineups for the Argentina–Benin friendly. Symbolic Moments (Sports): Emiliano Martínez is debuting a new haircut with an “M” carved in for Messi’s send-off. Off-Pitch Drama (Global Football): Ronaldo’s statement about his Portugal coach Jorge Jesus landed the same day as Messi’s farewell build-up, sparking fresh debate about spotlight timing. Local Culture (Sports & Community): Argentina’s rugby push continues too, with a joint bid to host the 2035 Rugby World Cup.

Messi Farewell Fever: Lionel Messi posted photos from his final Argentina training session and will play his last match for La Albiceleste at the Monumental vs Benin, dubbed “El Último Tango,” with AFA tributes and a huge Buenos Aires send-off. Rosario Tribute: The city of his birth unveiled a giant “GRACIAS 10” Argentina shirt outside the National Flag Memorial ahead of the game. Matchday Buzz: Benin defender Mohamed Tijani says there’s “no special plan” to stop Messi—just enjoy the night—while Argentina’s squad has already started celebrations with an asado and “cuddles and a barbecue.” Global Media Watch: In the U.S., fans are frustrated that the match appears only on Spanish-language ViX/TUDN Radio, not major English broadcasters. Pop Culture Crossover: Disney+ is rolling out “Messi and the Giants,” with Messi as an executive producer and an Argentine song by Luck Ra. Other Entertainment: BTS kicked off the South American leg of its Arirang tour in Bogota, with Buenos Aires and more stops ahead.

Messi Farewell Fever: Lionel Messi’s final Argentina match is set for Tuesday, Oct. 6, vs Benin at the Estadio Monumental, with 85,000 expected and 2022 World Cup teammates invited—plus a reported behind-the-scenes debate over whether the farewell is about goodbye or money. Disney Animation Buzz: Disney unveiled the first teaser for Messi and the Giants, an animated series executive-produced by Messi, premiering globally on Disney+ in summer 2027. Papal Visit Context: Ahead of Pope Leo XIV’s Argentina trip, Archbishop Jorge García Cuerva urged unity at the Our Lady of Luján shrine, calling the country “wounded” and divided. Football Culture & Industry: Iberseries & Platino Industria in Madrid highlighted how Argentine producers are leaning into microdramas and new production models as TV budgets tighten. Global Entertainment Notes: La Perra (Dominga Sotomayor) scored major international sales after Cannes, while Christie’s readies a $450M Blaquier-Arrieta Impressionist/Post-Impressionist auction.

Messi Farewell in Buenos Aires: Lionel Messi arrives for his final Argentina game, with Tuesday’s farewell friendly against Benin at the Monumental set to draw 85,000 fans and mark the end of his Albiceleste era (125 goals, 207 caps, 68 assists). Football Night in Argentina: Argentinos Juniors beat Tigre 2-1 to stay top, while the post-Messi era keeps rolling with big wins across the Clausura. Arts & Culture Exchange: “Your Ghosts Are Mine: Expanded Cinemas, Amplified Voices” continues its cross-cultural run, linking Qatar and Latin America with a new Chile stop in Santiago. Music Buzz: Shakira’s Madrid show brought out Dua Lipa for a surprise “Antología” duet, turning the internet into a fan club. Classical Spotlight: Buenos Aires hosted “Violin Fest” with 150+ violinists performing together outdoors near the Galileo Galilei Planetarium. Global Entertainment Watch: Netflix’s Spanish Sherlock-inspired hit “The Final Problem” is surging in Argentina’s top streaming charts. Sports Business Note: Argentina’s new Citizenship by Investment Programme details were unveiled in Paris, with applications expected in Q4 2026.