News of sports

In this file photo taken on May 27, 2018, Lionel Messi stands with AFA President Claudio Tapia, during a training session at the Tomas Duco stadium in Buenos Aires, ahead of the FIFA World Cup. Tapia was re-elected on May 19, 2020, for a five-year-term in a virtual assembly, that had him as the only candidate.

FOOTBALL IN ARGENTINA

Claudio Tapia re-elected as AFA president for another term

21-05-2020 23:33 Media mogul Marcelo Tinelli, who also serves as president of San Lorenzo, elected director of the new Liga de Fútbol Profesional, which will replace the Superliga.

AFA – and Chiqui Tapia – have reasserted their control of the local game.

FOOTBALL IN ARGENTINA

Old habits hard to shake as AFA regains control of top-flight football

21-05-2020 23:08 AFA President Claudio 'Chiqui' Tapia awarded fresh four-year term, as football governing body regains control of top-flight football, bringing in new Liga de Fútbol Profesional to replace Superliga.

by Dan Edwards

Tourism & Sports Minister Matías Lammens.

Coronavirus pandemic

Lammens suggests moving football to province without coronavirus

18-05-2020 08:34 It "would not be crazy" to move games to a province with little to no circulation of the virus, should football restart, says Tourism and Sports minister.

The superclasico River- Boca and the reminder of the pepper incident.

BOCA-RIVER RIVALRY

The Superclásico that took the Boca-River rivalry to new heights

16-05-2020 10:00 Thursday marked the fifth anniversary of the infamous Boca-River Libertadores pepper-spray incident, an event that pushed the rivals’ animosity to almost-unseen levels.

by Dan Edwards

CONMEBOL has released a series of specific regulations amid the coronavirus pandemic to protect everyone’s health when the Copa Libertadores eventually resumes. There is no date set for when the tournament will restart.

FOOTBALL & CORONAVIRUS

CONMEBOL: No more 'kissing the ball' when Libertadores returns

14-05-2020 16:12 There will be no more kissing the ball for good luck in South American football. Also, forget about exchanging jerseys — and even spitting or blowing noses on the field.

Racing Club and Peru’s Alianza Lima play behind closed doors.

FOOTBALL & CORONAVIRUS

Officials in Argentina studying protocols for return of football training

14-05-2020 11:46 Government begins studying health protocols for potential return of professional football training, with May 25 the earliest possible date; AFA don't expect games to restart until summer, in December or January.

In this file photograph taken on May 10, 2017, World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont (left) and deputy chairman Agustín Pichot pose during a press conference following the Rugby World Cup Japan 2019 pool draw at Kyoto state guesthouse in Kyoto.

RUGBY

Ex-Pumas skipper Pichot resigns from World Rugby after election defeat

13-05-2020 18:28 Agustín Pichot is to resign from the World Rugby Council following his narrow defeat to Bill Beaumont for the chairmanship of the sport's governing body.

Tomás "El Trinche" Carlovich's coffin, on display on the pitch at the Gabino Sosa stadium during a homage ceremony in Rosario.

FOOTBALLER SLAIN

Fans mourn ex-footballer 'Trinche' Carlovich, revered by Maradona as 'world best'

09-05-2020 23:34 Hundreds of supporters paid their respects on Saturday to former Central Córdoba star Tomás 'Trinche' Carlovich, a player Diego Maradona called the best in the world, at an open-air wake at a stadium in Rosario.

People flash the 'V' sign next to a replica of Argentina's football team jersey used during the final of the FIFA World Cup Mexico '86, handwritten and signed by Argentine former football star Diego Maradona, at a community soup kitchen in José C. Paz, Buenos Aires.

DIEGO DONATES

Maradona autographs shirt to help poor during pandemic

09-05-2020 09:07 Maradona's signed jersey, which reads – “With all my heart and we are all going to get over this” – will be raffled among those who donate food for people at a working class neighbourhood called René Favaloro in José C. Paz.

Internacional coach Eduardo Coudet oversees a training session in a face mask.

WORLD FOOTBALL

Brazil takes tentative steps toward restarting football, unlike Argentina

09-05-2020 09:02 For once, officials in Argentina are adopting a sensible approach to a high-profile issue – unlike the country’s giant neighbour to the north.

by Dan Edwards

In this file picture taken on January 26, 2020 Juventus' Argentine forward Paulo Dybala leaves the pitch to be substituted during the Italian Serie A football match against Napoli at the San Paolo stadium in Naples.

Argentine forward cleared

'I'm healed': Dybala gets all-clear after coronavirus

06-05-2020 15:02 Juventus star Paulo Dybala posts message declaring: "I can finally confirm that I am healed."

World Rugby Chairman Bill Beaumont.

RUGBY

Pichot defeated, Beaumont re-elected as World Rugby chairman

03-05-2020 09:11 Former England captain will lead World Rugby for another four years after being re-elected on Saturday, beating ex-Pumas skipper Agustín Pichot with a first-round majority.

AFA’s decision to suspend relegation in the top flight for two years has attracted fierce criticism.

ARGENTINE FOOTBALL

AFA’s attempt to be decisive only ends up being divisive

02-05-2020 09:00 If any observers were hoping that questions about the future of Argentine football would be answered this week they were to be sorely disappointed, if not entirely surprised.

by Dan Edwards

According to judicial sources, player Sebastián Villa was imposed exclusion from home, prohibition of access to the private neighborhood and maintaining any contact with Daniela Cortés and her family, either in person or through third parties.

Football scandal

Boca star Villa accused of 'physical and psychological violence'

29-04-2020 23:19 23-year-old denies accusations of gender violence after girlfriend posts images online showing alleged injuries; football club says it will "dig deeper into the episode" and take appropriate measures if necessary against Colombian midfielder.

by Jennifer Heiman

In this file photo taken November 2, 2019, Gimnasia y Esgrima coach Diego Armando Maradona gestures to supporters.

Coronavirus pandemic

Maradona pleads for 'Hand of God' to end pandemic

29-04-2020 19:24 Diego asks for "Hand of God" to deliver the world from the coronavirus pandemic and allow normal life to resume.

In this Thursday, November 2, 2017 file photo, World Rugby Chairman Bill Beaumont speaks beside the Webb Ellis Cup during an interview before the match schedule announcement for the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Tokyo.

Rugby' leadership race

Beaumont vs Pichot: The battle for rugby's top job

29-04-2020 12:54 Bill Beaumont and Agustin Pichot are vying to become chairman of World Rugby amid trying times for the sport because of the coronavirus outbreak and the growing discussion about a global calendar to unify the international game.

In this file photograph taken on May 10, 2017, World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont (left) and deputy chairman Agustín Pichot pose during a press conference following the Rugby World Cup Japan 2019 pool draw at Kyoto state guesthouse in Kyoto.

RUGBY

Beaumont v Pichot as World Rugby chairman election kicks off

28-04-2020 18:13 Voting for World Rugby's next chairman opened Monday, with incumbent 68-year-old former England captain Bill Beaumont facing competition from ex-Pumas skipper Agustín Pichot.

AFA boss Claudio Tapia.

Coronavirus pandemic

Football season in Argentina is over due to virus crisis, says AFA chief

27-04-2020 21:48 AFA chief Claudio Tapia says 2019-2020 football season, interrupted since mid-March due to the coronavirus pandemic, is officially over, cancelling Copa Superliga.

Mara Gómez (centre) and teammates Agustina Matas (left) and Yanina Minana train with their first division women's football team, Villa San Carlos, in La Plata, Argentina.

ARGENTINE FOOTBALL

Transgender players kick down doors in local football

26-04-2020 14:09 Mara Gómez and Marcos Rojo are blazing a trail for transgender players in Argentine football.

Just what form the top flight will take once this crisis finally passes is still very much up in the air.

FUTURE OF LOCAL FOOTBALL

Football officials toy with removing relegation amid virus shutdown

25-04-2020 09:59 Argentine football has now been paralysed for more than a month, causing immense damage to the budgets and bank balance of almost every team in the country.

by Dan Edwards

Argentina's Racing club player warms up before a football game against Alianza Lima in March 17, 2020.

Football

CONMEBOL confirms World Cup qualifying to begin in September

23-04-2020 12:27 South American qualifying for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, delayed by the coronavirus pandemic, will begin in September, the region's governing body CONMEBOL said on Friday.

In this Thursday, January 30, 2020 a general view of the Camp Nou stadium prior of a Spanish Copa del Rey soccer match between Barcelona and Leganes at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain.

Fight against virus

Barcelona to sell Camp Nou naming rights to raise money to fight virus

21-04-2020 14:23 Barcelona will sell the naming rights to its Camp Nou, Europe’s biggest stadium – which has never had a sponsor since it opened in 1957 – for one year in an effort to raise money for the fight against the coronavirus.

Argentinas scrum-half and captain Agustín Pichot (Center) and teammates celebrate at the end of the rugby union World Cup third place final match France vs. Argentina, 19 October 2007 at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris. Argentina won 34-10.

International rugby

Ex-Pumas star Pichot seeking 'front foot' World Rugby

21-04-2020 14:19 Candidate for next World Rugby chairman Agustín Pichot says he plans to modernise the organisation of the sport's governing body and global rugby union should he be elected next month.

Istiqlol were crowned champions of Tajikstan, despite WHO recommendations that games be halted.

FOOTBALL & CORONAVIRUS

Desperate fans await football's return, though some are still going

19-04-2020 08:04 Just four leagues in the world continue to hold professional football matches, with Nicaragua the sole American nation that has not shut down the activity.

by Dan Edwards

Mauricio Pellegrino has been appointed coach at Vélez Sarsfield.

FOOTBALL

Pellegrino returns to Argentina to coach Vélez Sarsfield

17-04-2020 13:41 Former Barcelona and Liverpool footballer Mauricio Pellegrino has been appointed coach at Vélez Sarsfield, replacing former Manchester United and Real Madrid defender Gabriel Heinze.

View of the bar of the hotel where Brazilian football star Ronaldinho Gaucho and his brother are keeping house arrest in Asuncion on April 13, 2020.

False passport drama

Ronaldinho enjoys 'golden cell' in locked-down Paraguay capital

16-04-2020 19:36 With Paraguay's capital under lockdown, former Brazil star Ronaldinho is spending his second week under house arrest at an exclusive hotel in Asunción, as he awaits trial for entering the country under a false passport.

Fans of Independiente de Medellín shout to journalists from inside a hotel, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Tuesday, April 14, 2020.

Stranded fans

Colombian fans trapped in Argentina struggle to return amid pandemic

15-04-2020 11:45 15 football-crazy Independiente de Medellín fans are trapped in a hotel in Buenos Aires, unable to return to their homes in Colombia.

Agustín Pichot.

RUGBY

Ex-Pumas captain Pichot announces he will run for World Rugby top job

12-04-2020 14:15 "This is a critical election at a critical time for Rugby." the ex-Argentina star said in a tweet announcing he would challenge England's Bill Beaumont for the post.

Bielsa, followed quickly by the rest of the first team, was one of the first in the English game to take a voluntary pay cut in order to keep Leeds’ finances above water.

‘EL LOCO’ IN LEEDS

Marcelo Bielsa’s value should be measured in far more than titles

11-04-2020 08:32 Yes, there are naysayers, but Marcelo Bielsa’s is once again leading by example amid the coronavirus pandemic, proving once again that his impact goes above and beyond the trophy cabinet.

by Dan Edwards

Lionel Mess, pictured approaching Colombian keeper's David Ospina goal, during a Copa América match in Brazil in 2019.

FIXTURE PILE-UP

World Cup qualifiers for Qatar 2022 'must restart by September'

10-04-2020 00:39 National teams in South America will have to restart their qualifying campaigns by September, otherwise they won't be able to have every game finished in time for Qatar 2022 World Cup.

by Anthony Harwood

Carlos Tevez belongs to the lucky few in football who – thanks to his long years in England, Italy and China – enjoy total financial security.

ARGENTINE FOOTBALL

Footballers are easy targets for virus-tinged anger at high earners

04-04-2020 08:26 There’s a lot of talk about the cutting of salaries amid the coronavirus pandemic, but there’s no reason footballers should be singled out above other societal high-earners.

by Dan Edwards

Former president Carlos Menem poses with Hugo Gatti in 2003, during the event held at the Club Espanol.

Coronavirus pandemic

Hugo Gatti: Being infected with Covid-19 has made me ‘learn more about life’

03-04-2020 14:32 Ex-Albiceleste, Boca and River goalkeeper, 'El Loco' Gatti, who is hospitalised in Madrid after being tested positive for coronavirus, opens up on his health and explains how his predicament has made him “learn more about life.”

Workers set up a temporary field hospital to treat patients who have COVID-19 inside Pacaembu stadium in São Paulo, Brazil, Monday, March 30, 2020.

Football in chaos

South American footballers seek full pay amid coronavirus

02-04-2020 18:03 As players around Europe accept pay cuts amid the coronavirus pandemic, some of their less-well-compensated South American counterparts are fighting for every penny.

A supporter of FC Minsk, wears a facemask for protective measures amid concerns over the spread of the COVID-19, as he attends the Belarus Championship football match between FC Minsk and FC Dinamo-Minsk in Minsk, on March 28, 2020.

Sport chaos

Isolated abroad, footballers learn to deal without the game

29-03-2020 20:33 The riches, glamour and glory of playing football in front of packed stadiums attracts the world's top players across borders but with the European game in lockdown, many have been left isolated from their families.

In this file photo taken on October 15, 2019 Uruguay's coach Oscar Washington Tabarez is pictured during the friendly football match against Peru at the National Stadium in Lima.

Sport chaos

Uruguayan football federation lays off 400, including coach Tabárez

29-03-2020 18:44 All employees of the Uruguayan Football Association (AUF), including coach Tabarez, will receive unemployment insurance benefits since activities were suspended due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.

He continued to represent youths like himself, from Argentina’s most deprived, precarious neighbourhoods, until the end of 2017 when he was diagnosed with tongue cancer.

TALES FROM THE BEAUTIFUL GAME

René Houseman: the football star devoted to Argentina’s villas

28-03-2020 11:47 El Loco, the ex-Huracán and Argentina idol who passed away two years ago this week, was a true villero who never forgot his roots.

by Dan Edwards

In this file picture taken on January 26, 2020 Juventus' Argentine forward Paulo Dybala leaves the pitch to be substituted during the Italian Serie A football match against Napoli at the San Paolo stadium in Naples.

Coronavirus pandemic

'I struggled to breathe:' Dybala reveals coronavirus nightmare

27-03-2020 19:25 Juventus star Paulo Dybala revealed Friday how he "struggled to breathe" after contracting coronavirus which has killed over 9,000 people in Italy.

Dybala in Juventus

FOOTBALL

Dybala, Maldini test positive for coronavirus

21-03-2020 18:16 Argentina striker Paulo Dybala said Saturday that he has become the third Juventus player to test positive for coronavirus.

Politically, Lammens is one of the most independent Cabinet members.

MINISTRY POSITIONS

What sports? What tourism?

21-03-2020 10:36 Matías Lammens' relationship with the Mauricio Macri administration, in its more successful early years especially, was sufficiently cosy for him to be offered the presidencies of ANSES social security and Banco Nación.

A measure that will be a huge inconvenience for Superliga clubs may well prove devastating in the lower leagues, deprived of even the modest incomes they rely on to pay playing staff and survive.

NO FOOTBALL IN ARGENTINA

Argentina’s lower leagues will be hit hard by virus crisis

21-03-2020 09:13 Cancellation is an inconvenience for Superliga clubs, but it may prove to be devastating for those hanging on in the lower leagues, deprived of even the modest incomes they rely on.

by Dan Edwards

Juventus Argentine forward Gonzalo Higuain celebrates after scoring during the Italian Serie A football match Inter vs Juventus on October 6, 2019 at the San Siro stadium in Milan.

Argentine striker

Higuaín leaves Juventus quarantine to return to Argentina

19-03-2020 18:39 Juventus striker Gonzalo Higuaín has left the team's quarantine and returned home to Argentina, according to multiple reports in Italy on Thursday.

Tourism & Sports Minister Matías Lammens.

Coronavirus pandemic

Football in Argentina finally set to be suspended after days of debate

17-03-2020 15:09 Copa de Superliga postponed after intervention after Tourism and Sports Minister Matías Lammens calls for AFA and Superliga chiefs to stop "all categories" of football in Argentina.

Sports journalists Andrea Guerrero from Colombia and Juan José Buscaglia from Argentina present the draw of the Copa América 2020 football tournament at the Convention Centre in Cartagena, Colombia, on December 3, 2019. The Copa América 2020 football tournament will be hosted jointly by Argentina and Colombia next year, from June 12 to July 12. Asian champions Qatar and previous winner Australia will participate as invited guest teams.

Coronavirus pandemic

Copa América, Euro 2020 football tournaments postponed

17-03-2020 12:36 Co-ordinated decision between UEFA and CONMEBOL sees both tournaments delayed by a year. This year's Copa América was due to be co-hosted by Argentina and Colombia.

Pablo Veloso (Left) climbs the Cerro Arequita, 12 km north of the city of Minas, Lavalleja, Uruguay, on February 24, 2020.

Sport

The surprising rise of climbing in flat Uruguay

16-03-2020 08:00 Despite Uruguay's terrain lacking significant mountains, sport climbing is a growing activity in the country, and discovering it is a challenge even for the locals.

Few could have imagined River Plate’s jitters at the final post, drawing against both Defensa y Justicia and Atlético Tucumán to throw away what would have been their first league title since 2014.

BOCA CAMPEON

Superiga glory makes Russo the toast of La Boca

14-03-2020 07:56 Who, at the start of the season, would’ve predicted that Boca would take the title against Maradona’s Gimnasia, with Russo on the bench and Riquelme in the directors’ box?

by Dan Edwards

Footballer Emiliano Sala was killed when the unlicensed pilot of his plane lost control

LATE ARGENTINE STRIKER

Emiliano Sala crash pilot lost control, flew too fast, concludes UK probe

13-03-2020 14:21 Footballer Emiliano Sala was killed when the unlicensed pilot of his plane lost control and flew too fast as he tried to avoid bad weather, investigators conclude in final report into death.

Dybala in Juventus

Coronavirus pandemic

Covid-19 keeps Dybala isolated, as sport copes with coronavirus

13-03-2020 12:12 Coronavirus shuts down all the sport activities until further notice. Professional football is not an exception.

Lautaro Martínez celebrates his goal with his teammates during the friendly match against Iraq at the Faisal bin Fahd Stadium in Riyadh on Thursday evening.

Coronavirus pandemic

South American World Cup qualifiers, Copa Libertadores match postponed

13-03-2020 09:01 FIFA postpones upcoming South American World Cup qualifiers due to the coronavirus crisis, while CONMEBOL pulls Libertadores matches.

Lollapalooza 2019

Coronavirus Outbreak

Lollapalooza among shows postponed by officials due to coronavirus

12-03-2020 14:13 Football, concerts, and public demonstrations are being cancelled and suspended as public officials advise against gathering of large crowds.

Players of Ludogorets wear protective face masks as a safety measure against the COVID-19, on their way to compete in the UEFA Europa League football match on February 27, 2020, in Milan.

Coronavirus consequences

Coronavirus throws international competitions into chaos

11-03-2020 16:13 As sporting events in more countries on Wednesday are cancelled or pushed behind doors to avoid spread of coronavirus, problems are mounting up.

Carlos Tevez in Boca Juniors

ARGENTINE FOOTBALL

Tevez assures Boca fans he'll be staying 'for a while'

11-03-2020 16:05 After the Xeneize trumph in the Superliga and a win in the Copa Libertadores, 36-year-old veteran forward assures his fans he'll be staying at his beloved club for a little while yet.

Boca Junior at one of their games

Corornavirus consequences

Argentina suspends sporting events in March amid coronavirus fears

11-03-2020 14:55 After much confusion amid contrasting statements, sporting authorities in Argentina announce suspension of a large number of sporting events throughout March.

Lionel Scaloni at the press confernece

International football

Argentina calls up Italy-based players for matches, despite virus fears

11-03-2020 12:31 Despite the suspension of all sporting events in Italy, due to the coronavirus outbreak, Argentine national team still calls up six players based in country.

A man wears face mask

Coronavirus outbreak

Football games around the world to be played in empty stadiums

10-03-2020 11:42 As officials across the world slap a block on public gatherings, football matches across the world are being played behind closed doors.

Copa Libertadores kicking off

Copa Libertadores

Copa Libertadores takes full attention after end of Superliga

09-03-2020 14:10 Copa Libertadores gaining the full attention after the last round of the Superliga.

Boca Juniors celebrating their 2019-2020 championship in superliga

Argentine Superliga

Boca secure Superliga title after overhauling River in final day drama

08-03-2020 18:29 Supporters of Boca Juniors danced long into the night this weekend after the side overhauled River Plate on the final day of the season, securing yet another title in the process.

Fifteen years have passed since River Plate and Boca Juniors went head-to-head for the title on the final day of a Primera season.

Argentine superliga

Not even a River-Boca title showdown will save the Superliga

06-03-2020 11:41 At breakneck speed and with an outrageous ad hoc rule change thrown in for good measure, the Superliga's days appear to be numbered.

by Dan Edwards

The Argentine Superliga will have a new champion on March 7, when both River Plate and Boca Juniors having chances of being crowned. River, with 46 points, will visit Tucumán, while Boca, with 45 points, face Gimnasia.

ARGENTINE SUPERLIGA

All or nothing for River and Boca in final day Superliga showdown

05-03-2020 23:21 Fans of two Buenos Aires giants will be glued to screen this Saturday as two sides face crucial matches, with River ahead by one point. One side will be the champions come full-time - but which one will it be?

Ronaldinho, pictured in Asunción, Paraguay, as he enters an attorney's office.

Footballer in Paraguay

From Paraguay, Ronaldinho's lawyer denies fake passport allegation

05-03-2020 21:47 Former Brazilian soccer star Ronaldinho has been accused of arriving in Paraguay with a fake passport, though his lawyer denies the allegation.

Penarol's rugby team player

Sport in Uruguay

Glory seekers Peñarol branch out into cricket and rugby

04-03-2020 08:04 Uruguay's most successful football club is aiming for titles in cricket and rugby too.

River Plate vs Defensa y Justicia

SUPERLIGA ROUND-UP

Boca gain on River after Millo drop points at home

01-03-2020 21:38 Argentine Superliga heads for a decisive final weekend, with River top of the table and just one point ahead of arch-rivals Boca with one game to play.

Perhaps the most miraculous outcome of this latest wave of violence is that nobody was killed or suffered lifethreatening injuries in either of the three most serious incidents.

FOOTBALL IN ARGENTINA

Football resumes after Summer break – and sadly, so does fan violence

29-02-2020 10:10 Until both clubs and the authorities get serious on supporter violence, and hand down suitable punishments, football in Argentina will remain locked in the same old cycle.

by Dan Edwards

Guillermo Barros Schelotto and Macri smiling in a photo taken in Boca.

INVESTIGATION

Barros Schelotto, Tevez linked to Macri family wind farm business

28-02-2020 08:00 Former Boca Juniors coach Guillermo Barros Schelotto and star forward Carlos Tevez contributed nearly US$18 million to Macri’s family business, Sideco Americana, which in 2016 acquired six wind farms – purchases that are now being investigated by the courts.

by Emilia Delfino

River Plate coach Marcelo Gallardo.

FOOTBALL IN ARGENTINA

River prepare a party, as Boca hope for Monumental stumble

27-02-2020 20:19 Preparing for what could be a Monumental weekend, River Plate fans are hoping to celebrate the end of their six-year title drought in the coming 48 hours.

Pity Martinez in Atlanta

FOOTBALL: MLS

Pity Martínez off to brilliant start in second year with Atlanta Utd

26-02-2020 22:04 After a disappointing debut season with Atlanta United, Martinez is now showing off the tantalising skills that made him the South American player of the year and could take him to stardom in Major League Soccer.

A bartender prepares an espresso coffee inside the Bar Nilo where a makeshift shrine of soccer legend and former Napoli player Diego Armando Maradona is displayed, in downtown Naples, Italy, Wednesday, September 18, 2019.

MARADONA LEGACY

For Napoli fans, the team is a religion – and Maradona is god

24-02-2020 07:00 Some of the Argentine legend's most memorable exploits took place in Naples, and he is still revered there with god-like status in a city which is lacking many basic social services.

Sergio Agüero, plying his trade for Manchester City.

ARGENTINE FOOTBALL

Man City’s ban sparks dreams of prodigal sons

23-02-2020 16:41 UEFA bombshell greeted with glee in Argentina, but calm down, the top stars are not returning home anytime soon.

by Dan Edwards

Lionel Messi is part of the list of more than 60 people who were consulted in databases such as the AFIP or the National Directorate of Migration.

Federal investigation

Judge probes whether Messi was spied on by government agencies

20-02-2020 20:28 Federal justice is investigating whether former Macri administration officials illegally used information systems to spy on star Lionel Messi, as well as dozens of local politicians, judges, journalists and businessmen.

by Cecilia Devanna

Getafe's Uruguayan midfielder Mauro Arambarri (L) challenges Barcelona's Argentine forward Lionel Messi during the Spanish league football match between FC Barcelona and Getafe CF at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on February 15, 2020.

EUROPEAN FOOTBALL

Messi demands calm after chaotic two months for Barcelona

20-02-2020 13:37 Barcelona has been hit recently by a series of setbacks on the field and conflicts inside the club. And though Lionel Messi has had enough, he says he won't leave the club.

Graciela Sosa and her husband Silvino Baez mourn the death of their son Fernando Baez Sosa outside of Congress.

Villa Gesell Murder

Thousands rally to demand justice for slain teen Fernando Baez Sosa

19-02-2020 09:17 Demonstrators marched in a rebuke to violence in Argentina and to demand the killers of Báez Sosa – who was brutally beaten to death by a group of young rugby players – be brought to justice.