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Argentina

The latest news, analysis and opinion on Argentina. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.

Capital

Buenos Aires

Head of State

President Javier Milei

Head of Government

President Javier Milei

The football with which Diego Maradona scored his 'Hand of God' goal at the 1986 World Cup. Photo: AFP

Americas and the Caribbean

Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ football sells for US$3.35 million

Match ball from 1986 World Cup quarter-final against England falls well short of US$10 million estimate.

25 Aug 2026 - 12:46PM

US-China relations

US, China diplomats clash over tech spying and trade hub claims in Latin America

24 Aug 2026 - 9:00PMvideocam

Animal welfare in Hong Kong

Hong Kong urged to adopt trait-based dog tiers, DNA checks after attacks

24 Aug 2026 - 8:29PMvideocam

Animals

Lions, tigers from notorious Argentine zoo begin journey to wildlife sanctuaries

The cats are on their way to sanctuaries in South Africa and the US from the zoo, which was shut in 2020 over animal welfare concerns.

15 Aug 2026 - 9:43AM

Members of the Four Paws animal welfare organisation carry a tiger in Lujan, Argentina, on Friday to a crate for its transfer from a shuttered zoo to a sanctuary in South Africa. Photo: AP

China-Latin America relations

US accuses 9 Latin American countries of helping China avoid Trump’s tariffs

More than 40 countries targeted for helping Beijing illegally avoid tariffs by rerouting trade via nations with lower American import duties.

14 Aug 2026 - 7:34AMvideocam

Crime

Doctors ignored ‘warning signs’ before Maradona’s death, court hears

7 healthcare professionals have been on trial since April for potential negligence leading up to the Argentine footballer’s death in 2020.

12 Aug 2026 - 5:07AMvideocam

Lionel Messi

No pressure on Lionel Messi to retire from football, says Argentina boss

Messi will turn 43 during ‌the 2030 World Cup in Spain, Portugal and Morocco. Cristiano Ronaldo was 41 during this summer’s tournament.

8 Aug 2026 - 9:00PM

Inter Miami is already back and scoring goals for club side Inter Miami in Major League Soccer. Photo: AP

Americas and the Caribbean

Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ ball heads to US auction

The football used by the Argentinian legend to score his infamous goal in the 1986 World Cup is expected to fetch US$10 million.

8 Aug 2026 - 6:56AM

Americas and the Caribbean

Trump ally Abelardo de la Espriella sworn in as Colombia president

The right-wing ex-lawyer who calls himself ‘The Tiger’ vowed to bomb cocaine labs, build mega prisons and usher in closer ties with the US.

8 Aug 2026 - 2:39PM

US-China relations

In Focus | Race for UN top job enters final stage: choice may ‘make or break’ bloc

A strong, visionary leader is needed as next secretary general as Iran war rages during one of most ‘unpredictable times geopolitically’.

7 Aug 2026 - 11:07PMvideocam

China-Latin America relations

Argentina extends US$19 billion China currency swap despite US pressure

Buenos Aires locks in the yuan line until 2031, months after the US Treasury Department offered a rival facility.

7 Aug 2026 - 3:21AMvideocam

Argentine President Javier Milei campaigned on a pledge never to do business with communist governments, but later sought Beijing’s help to extend the currency swap. Photo: Reuters

Americas and the Caribbean

US revokes visa of Brazil’s ambassador to Washington in escalating row

State Department retaliates against Brasilia over delayed envoy approval as fractious relationship is again tested.

5 Aug 2026 - 10:49AM

Americas and the Caribbean

At 80, Brazil’s Lula launches campaign for fourth term

Leftist icon vows to protect critical minerals from foreign control as election battle against far-right rival looms.

3 Aug 2026 - 2:59PM

China exports

China’s surgical robots break into Vietnam as Beijing targets US dominance

Shipments to Asean have surged 246% this year as cross-border healthcare platforms pave way for manufacturers to challenge US giants like Intuitive Surgical.

31 Jul 2026 - 10:00AMvideocam

A surgical robot during the 2025 China Medical Equipment Conference & Medical Equipment Exhibition held at Chongqing International Expo Centre in southwest China’s Chongqing, taken on March 14, 2025. Photo: Xinhua

Americas and the Caribbean

Argentina’s president decrees expulsion of foreigners expressing ‘hate’ against nation

Move follows backlash over World Cup defeat as legal experts and opposition politicians denounce emergency measure as unconstitutional.

31 Jul 2026 - 11:17AM

Argentina’s President Javier Milei. Photo: AFP

US-China relations

Selection for next UN chief gets under way with Grynspan early front runner

United Nations Security Council started the process on Thursday to pick its new secretary general as successor to Antonio Guterres.

1 Aug 2026 - 3:19AMvideocam

South Korea

How South Korea can ease Brazilian concerns to unlock trade in South America

Money and technology transfer are the keys to opening the door to free trade with Mercosur members, according to analysts.

29 Jul 2026 - 5:00PM

United Nations

UN leader candidates pitch visions to save world body in crisis

With a week before initial voting begins, six hopefuls make their case to replace Antonio Guterres.

24 Jul 2026 - 2:35PM

The six declared candidates vying to succeed UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres. Photo: Reuters

Food and Drinks

On the Menu | How Argentina’s World Cup meltdowns echo restaurant award tantrums

Just as Argentina suffered a sad case of sour grapes over losing to Spain, so too have restaurateurs and chefs been ungracious in defeat.

23 Jul 2026 - 12:15PM

C-Suite Content Hub

From Crisis to Cross-Border Growth: Bangchak’s Energy Reinvention

Under Chaiwat Kovavisarach’s leadership, Bangchak Corporation has evolved from a struggling Thai refinery into a diversified energy leader. By prioritising operational efficiency, financial discipline, and a strategic shift toward renewables, Chaiwat has transformed the organisation into a sustainable, regional player poised for long-term success in an uncertain energy market.

SCMP C-Suite

Electric & new energy vehicles

As BYD marks Brazil milestone, Europe weighs response to surge in Chinese EVs

BYD hits 100,000 EVs in South American country, but calls grow in Europe for higher tariffs on Chinese products to shield local industry.

21 Jul 2026 - 3:00PM

Workers check vehicles in BYD’s plant in Camacari, Brazil, on February 3, 2026. Photo: Reuters

Fifa World Cup 2026

Meet Ferran Torres, who scored Spain’s winning World Cup goal

The 26-year-old was discovered when playing futsal with friends at school, and played for Valencia and Man City before joining Barcelona.

20 Jul 2026 - 3:39PM

Ferran Torres wearing Under Armour FC last month. The Spanish footballer just scored a winning goal at the World Cup. Photo: @ferrantorres/Instagram

Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong restaurants score extra HK$500 million thanks to World Cup

Crowds of football fans, including children and elderly, flocked to shopping centres for match between Spain and Argentina at 3am.

20 Jul 2026 - 10:47PM

China exports

China did not qualify for the World Cup. It may have won in economic terms

While its men’s team has not competed since 2002, this year’s tournament has generated significant profit for many Chinese firms.

19 Jul 2026 - 4:03PM

Fifa World Cup 2026

Editorial | World Cup has showcased the beautiful game despite some ugly moments

While high ticket prices, visa issues and a Trump intervention cast a shadow on the tournament, the engrossing competition has also brought people together.

19 Jul 2026 - 7:15AM

Buddhist Chi Lin Primary School’s “World Cup Round of 16 Family Fun Day” in Tseung Kwan O, Hong Kong, on July 12, with students and their parents cheering for their favourite team during the Argentina vs Switzerland game. Photo: Dickson Lee

SCMP Highlights

Chinese scientist sodium battery leap; petition to boot Argentina: 7 highlights

From Hong Kong’s exceptional IB results to Louis Vuitton suing China’s trademark regulator, here are highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting.

17 Jul 2026 - 12:34PM

A flashpoint in the controversial Argentina v Egypt match, when referee Francois Letexier shows a red card to an Egyptian staff member. Photo: dpa

Video | Millions sign petition to oust World Cup favourite, Argentina

Millions sign petition to oust World Cup favourite, Argentina.

15 Jul 2026 - 5:44PM

Cathay Pacific

Cathay to add 4 Latin American destinations via Madrid code-share with Iberia

Passengers will be able to travel to Fortaleza and Recife in Brazil, Buenos Aires in Argentina and the Dominican Republic under arrangement.

15 Jul 2026 - 8:17PM

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Argentina

Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ football sells for US$3.35 million

Match ball from 1986 World Cup quarter-final against England falls well short of US$10 million estimate.

US, China diplomats clash over tech spying and trade hub claims in Latin America

Hong Kong urged to adopt trait-based dog tiers, DNA checks after attacks

Lions, tigers from notorious Argentine zoo begin journey to wildlife sanctuaries

The cats are on their way to sanctuaries in South Africa and the US from the zoo, which was shut in 2020 over animal welfare concerns.

US accuses 9 Latin American countries of helping China avoid Trump’s tariffs

More than 40 countries targeted for helping Beijing illegally avoid tariffs by rerouting trade via nations with lower American import duties.

Doctors ignored ‘warning signs’ before Maradona’s death, court hears

7 healthcare professionals have been on trial since April for potential negligence leading up to the Argentine footballer’s death in 2020.

No pressure on Lionel Messi to retire from football, says Argentina boss

Messi will turn 43 during ‌the 2030 World Cup in Spain, Portugal and Morocco. Cristiano Ronaldo was 41 during this summer’s tournament.

Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ ball heads to US auction

The football used by the Argentinian legend to score his infamous goal in the 1986 World Cup is expected to fetch US$10 million.

Trump ally Abelardo de la Espriella sworn in as Colombia president

The right-wing ex-lawyer who calls himself ‘The Tiger’ vowed to bomb cocaine labs, build mega prisons and usher in closer ties with the US.

.css-1f6sr3w{color:#727272;}In Focus | Race for UN top job enters final stage: choice may ‘make or break’ bloc

A strong, visionary leader is needed as next secretary general as Iran war rages during one of most ‘unpredictable times geopolitically’.

Argentina extends US$19 billion China currency swap despite US pressure

Buenos Aires locks in the yuan line until 2031, months after the US Treasury Department offered a rival facility.

US revokes visa of Brazil’s ambassador to Washington in escalating row

State Department retaliates against Brasilia over delayed envoy approval as fractious relationship is again tested.

At 80, Brazil’s Lula launches campaign for fourth term

Leftist icon vows to protect critical minerals from foreign control as election battle against far-right rival looms.

China’s surgical robots break into Vietnam as Beijing targets US dominance

Shipments to Asean have surged 246% this year as cross-border healthcare platforms pave way for manufacturers to challenge US giants like Intuitive Surgical.

Argentina’s president decrees expulsion of foreigners expressing ‘hate’ against nation

Move follows backlash over World Cup defeat as legal experts and opposition politicians denounce emergency measure as unconstitutional.

Selection for next UN chief gets under way with Grynspan early front runner

United Nations Security Council started the process on Thursday to pick its new secretary general as successor to Antonio Guterres.

How South Korea can ease Brazilian concerns to unlock trade in South America

Money and technology transfer are the keys to opening the door to free trade with Mercosur members, according to analysts.

UN leader candidates pitch visions to save world body in crisis

With a week before initial voting begins, six hopefuls make their case to replace Antonio Guterres.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}On the Menu | How Argentina’s World Cup meltdowns echo restaurant award tantrums

Just as Argentina suffered a sad case of sour grapes over losing to Spain, so too have restaurateurs and chefs been ungracious in defeat.

.css-12ooj4n{font-family:Roboto Condensed,Roboto Condensed fallback,sans-serif;}From Crisis to Cross-Border Growth: Bangchak’s Energy Reinvention

As BYD marks Brazil milestone, Europe weighs response to surge in Chinese EVs

BYD hits 100,000 EVs in South American country, but calls grow in Europe for higher tariffs on Chinese products to shield local industry.

Meet Ferran Torres, who scored Spain’s winning World Cup goal

The 26-year-old was discovered when playing futsal with friends at school, and played for Valencia and Man City before joining Barcelona.

Hong Kong restaurants score extra HK$500 million thanks to World Cup

Crowds of football fans, including children and elderly, flocked to shopping centres for match between Spain and Argentina at 3am.

China did not qualify for the World Cup. It may have won in economic terms

While its men’s team has not competed since 2002, this year’s tournament has generated significant profit for many Chinese firms.

Editorial | World Cup has showcased the beautiful game despite some ugly moments

While high ticket prices, visa issues and a Trump intervention cast a shadow on the tournament, the engrossing competition has also brought people together.

Chinese scientist sodium battery leap; petition to boot Argentina: 7 highlights

From Hong Kong’s exceptional IB results to Louis Vuitton suing China’s trademark regulator, here are highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting.

Video | Millions sign petition to oust World Cup favourite, Argentina

Millions sign petition to oust World Cup favourite, Argentina.

Cathay to add 4 Latin American destinations via Madrid code-share with Iberia

Passengers will be able to travel to Fortaleza and Recife in Brazil, Buenos Aires in Argentina and the Dominican Republic under arrangement.

In Focus | Race for UN top job enters final stage: choice may ‘make or break’ bloc

On the Menu | How Argentina’s World Cup meltdowns echo restaurant award tantrums

From Crisis to Cross-Border Growth: Bangchak’s Energy Reinvention