Argentina in focus as Messi's team faces off in Parliament amid high-stakes drama

Prelims-testable facts

• 01The President of Argentina is Javier Milei.
• 02Argentina faces a critical legislative election amid voter anger over job losses and corruption scandals.
• 03Lionel Messi has responded to critics by saying 'Nothing was handed to us' regarding the reigning World Cup champions' perceptions of beneficial officiating and favoritism.
• 04Lionel Messi and Argentina will play Spain in the World Cup final after scoring twice in six minutes and 24 seconds at the end of a ferocious semi-final.
• 05The critical legislative election in Argentina is a test for President Javier Milei's popularity.
• 06Argentina has been at the receiving end of brutal social media attacks amid criticism over beneficial officiating and favoritism.

Trap alerts

• Most people think Lionel Messi is the only Argentine player, but actually he is not (the team also includes other players).
• Most people think Argentina's legislative election is a presidential election, but actually it is a critical test for President Javier Milei's popularity and his party's control of Congress.