Argentina’s Supreme Court has upheld a six-year prison sentence and a lifetime ban from holding public office for former President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner over corruption charges. The court found that during her tenure as First Lady and President, Fernández funneled lucrative public works contracts to companies owned by her close associate, convicted businessman Lázaro Báez, causing significant financial loss to the state. Following the ruling, the country’s Security Ministry has been ordered to prepare a detention center for the 72-year-old former leader.

Four years after the death of football legend Diego Maradona, a trial has begun regarding allegations of medical negligence by seven healthcare professionals involved in his treatment. The accused may face prison sentences ranging from eight to 25 years if found guilty. Maradona passed away on November 25, 2020, at the age of 60 due to a heart attack. In 2021, a 20-member medical panel, assembled by the Argentine public prosecutor, stated that Maradona’s chances of survival would have been higher had he received appropriate medical care at a proper healthcare facility. However, the defendants’ lawyer denied the accusations, stating the responsibility for Maradona’s mental treatment lay with others.

Ahead of their FIFA World Cup qualifiers this month against Brazil and Uruguay, Argentina’s coach Lionel Scaloni has named a 33-man preliminary squad, including star forward Lionel Messi. Argentina will face Uruguay on March 22 in Montevideo, followed by a match against their eternal rivals Brazil on March 26 at home. Lisandro Martínez has been excluded from the squad due to injury, but nearly all other key players have been included, making it a fully-strengthened squad for Scaloni.