Stories that caught our eye: July 18 to 25

Argentina’s week was defined by a painful World Cup hangover and renewed turbulence in football governance. Spain beat Argentina 1-0 in the final in New Jersey, denying Lionel Messi a second title and ending with tears from both Messi and coach Lionel Scaloni. The Javier Milei government floated a public holiday for the team’s return but dropped it when players reportedly weren’t in a celebratory mood. Fans gathered at Ezeiza International Airport on Monday for most of the squad, while Scaloni returned to Pujato in Santa Fe. The US also intervened over a Malvinas banner by saying Washington doesn’t take positions on sporting symbols. Separately, the FBI is investigating AFA-linked figure Javier Faroni over $11 million luxury properties in Miami tied to suspected money laundering.