Major Developments in Argentina - September 3, 2025

BUENOS AIRES - Key political, financial and sporting events unfolded across Argentina on Wednesday, reflecting a nation grappling with volatile markets, high-profile cultural restitution and the emotional build-up to one of football’s most anticipated matches.

Peso Slide Sparks Accusations of Market Manipulation The government of President Javier Milei publicly accused a major Chinese bank of deliberately pushing down the peso’s value in a targeted two-hour window on Monday. Finance Secretary Pablo Quirno alleged that the bank exploited thin market liquidity, moving the peso by 40 centavos against the dollar on just $30 million in trades-a claim that underscored concerns over foreign intervention in Argentina’s fragile currency markets.

Lionel Messi’s Emotional Send-Off in World Cup Qualifier Argentina’s captain, Lionel Messi, is set to play his final World Cup qualifying match tonight at Buenos Aires’s Monumental Stadium, facing Venezuela in what he has described as a “special and possibly final” qualifier before retirement from national duty. Coach Lionel Scaloni characterized the occasion as “emotional, special, and beautiful,” with fans and family alike preparing to bid farewell to the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.

Recovered Painting Ends Eight-Decade Mystery Argentine authorities announced the recovery of a Baroque-era portrait stolen by the Nazis 80 years ago. The painting, “Portrait of Contessa Colleoni” by Gi Ghisi, was traced to a Mar del Plata residence after being spotted in a real-estate listing. Prosecutors confirmed that owner Patricia Kadgien, daughter of an SS official, surrendered the artwork following international inquiries and raids.

FIFA Fines for Racist Fan Behavior FIFA’s disciplinary committee imposed a six-figure fine on the Argentine Football Association for racist abuse by fans at a June World Cup qualifier in Buenos Aires. Argentina faces a fine of 120,000 Swiss francs and a two-match suspension for midfielder Enzo Fernández, who was sent off during the incident. The sanctions form part of wider penalties levied against six national federations for discriminatory conduct at qualifiers.