Argentina's president Javier Milei said he felt enthusiastic after Argentina defeated Egypt 2-0 with a late goal, securing the nation's place as the only Western Hemisphere team in the World Cup quarterfinals. The match occurred on July 11.

Milei, who has overseen cuts to public spending and reduced inflation, faces criticism for the social impact of his reforms, including rising unemployment. A September 2024 survey by Opina Argentina found that 58 percent of respondents viewed his presidency negatively, placing him behind leading opposition figures.

His administration has been marred by several investigations, including allegations linking him to a failed digital currency project and the resignation of his cabinet chief amid accusations of misusing public funds. Inflation remains elevated, contributing to his low approval ratings ahead of the 2025 legislative election.

Milei's foreign policy has aligned closely with the United States. After the United States withdrew from the World Health Organization, Argentina followed. Milei has threatened to exit the Paris Agreement and has distanced Argentina from the BRICS bloc and Mercosur, seeking closer ties with Washington. In October 2023, former President Donald Trump praised Milei as "my favorite president" and announced a $20 billion economic assistance package. A Pentagon communication cited by Reuters indicated that the United States also explored supporting Argentina's claim to the Falkland Islands.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio congratulated Argentina on its 210th Independence Day, describing Milei as "an indispensable partner" in combating narcoterrorism and authoritarian regimes. Despite these ties, Milei has not attended any World Cup matches, avoiding meetings with the Argentine Football Association, which is under FBI investigation for alleged money laundering. He also skipped a July 4 celebration hosted by the U.S. embassy in Buenos Aires, leading to speculation about a potential strain in bilateral relations. Rubio's statement, however, reassured that relations remain friendly.

Messi, the 39-year-old forward playing for Inter Miami, has remained apolitical. A pre‑World Cup poll placed his approval at over 90 percent, though his previous World Cup victory did not translate into political gains for the governing coalition. Former President Alberto Fernández faced a historic electoral defeat after the 2022 triumph and later faced legal issues, while his successor's vice president serves house arrest following a corruption conviction.

Gedan, a former State and Treasury official who heads the Stimson Center's Latin America program, noted that "Messi is a national hero, but Argentine politicians do not get to share the glory."

The upcoming 2025 election will test Milei's political resilience, and his continued alignment with the United States may influence both domestic support and international partnerships.