Argentine Senator Bartolomé Abdala criticised for trip to World Cup final in New York

Senator Bartolomé Abdala, a representative from San Luis and provisional president of the Argentine Senate, travelled to the United States to attend the 2026 World Cup final between Argentina and Spain in New York. Media reports say he attempted to board a flight from Fort Lauderdale but was delayed by a severe storm that caused cancellations. Abdala reportedly sought assistance from the Argentine consulate and combined air and road travel to reach the final.

The trip sparked controversy because the governing coalition had issued a directive for officials to avoid discretionary travel amid nationwide austerity measures and pension cuts. Critics highlighted the use of public funds for a ticket estimated at up to US$30,000 plus private‑flight costs, questioning how the senator could afford such expenses. Abdala has not publicly responded to the allegations.