Argentina has achieved a rapid economic turnaround under President Milei’s administration, delivering consecutive primary fiscal surpluses, cutting inflation from over 200% to around 30%, reducing poverty, and attracting major investment commitments.

Stabilization is extending the country’s time horizon: families can save, businesses can plan long-term, and investors are returning, creating the foundation for broader growth in energy (Vaca Muerta), mining, agriculture, and knowledge services.

Lasting success will depend on persistence—strengthening institutions such as an independent central bank and durable fiscal rules—so that today’s gains translate into more jobs, higher wages, and opportunities for ordinary Argentines over the next decade.

My first meeting in Buenos Aires began with an unexpected gift. Economy Minister Luis Caputo presented me with an Argentine national team jersey bearing my name and the number 10—Lionel Messi’s iconic number.    

It was a fitting start to my first official visit. When Messi finally lifted the World Cup in Qatar, he was 35 years old—an age when many footballers have already retired. His triumph was the culmination of years of perseverance, setbacks, and relentless dedication. It underscored how great achievements require persistence—and can take longer than expected.

Economic transformation follows a similar path. Restoring stability is difficult. Making it endure is even harder. The greatest rewards come only after years of persistence.

That stuck with me during my visit to Argentina this week. Everywhere I went, I encountered people looking beyond today’s challenges and asking what their country could become over the next decade.

For a country that has spent much of its recent history focused on the next crisis, shifting attention to a longer horizon was, I found, to be the most encouraging sign of all.

Impressive stabilization

Only two and a half years ago, Argentina faced one of the most difficult economic moments in its modern history. The government was running constant deficits. Inflation exceeded 200 percent. The economy was contracting. Poverty had climbed........

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