Javier Milei draws fire from Argentine lawmakers over Spain speech and economic plan

President Javier Milei gave a conference in Spain where he used football analogies, likening his government to Lionel Messi and saying “even if they shout from the stands, the ball doesn’t move.” Senator Gerardo Zamora responded on social media, criticizing Milei for calling a ball “balón” and for a recent misreference to General José de San Martín, writing “No saber el nombre del Gral. San Martín, o llamar ‘balón’ a la pelota. Decime algo menos argentino.”

Deputy Marcela Pagano later rebuked Milei after he used the word “extortion” in a political clash. Pagano argued that the real extortion is Milei’s economic plan, which she said “liquida el salario y la jubilación,” forces families to choose between food and electricity, and pressures provinces and universities for political gain. She summed up: “La única extorsión real en la Argentina es la que su plan financiero le hace todos los días al pueblo.”