Amid jokes, memories, and a warm embrace, the President and the Head Coach of Atlético de Madrid shared anecdotes from their youth in Argentine football
As part of his tour through Italy, Spain, and France, Javier Milei had a very special reunion with Diego Cholo Simeone, current coach of Atlético de Madrid.
The meeting took place before the start of the Madrid Economic Forum, an event that brings together political and business leaders from the continent. There, the Argentine President met Simeone again, whom he had met during his years as a youth footballer.
Both were born in 1970 and shared the field at the beginning of their careers. On one hand, Milei played as a goalkeeper in Chacarita's youth divisions, while Cholo played in Vélez's youth teams.
The Presidential Press Office shared a video of the meeting, where they can be seen sharing an emotional hug accompanied by the classic music of "Fútbol de Primera."
Visibly moved, Milei said: "He played better, he was good!", referring to Simeone's talent. In a lighthearted tone, the coach replied with a laugh: "He chose to be a goalkeeper", sparking laughter and a relaxed atmosphere among those present, which included warm greetings from Karina Mileiand Carla Péreyra, the coach's wife.
"Well, because I wasn't very skilled with my feet", the President admitted with humor as he recalled the reasons that led him to become a goalkeeper, while both shared anecdotes in a spirit of camaraderie.
Milei's football career
Javier Milei had a notable stint as a goalkeeper in Chacarita's youth divisions during the 1980s, where he earned recognition for his commitment and bravery between the posts.
He joined the San Martín club thanks to the intervention of Armando Cacho Alejos, who brought him onto the team when he was still very young. Former teammates such as Gabriel Bonomi and Eduardo Perico Pérez agree in their recollection: "a brave goalkeeper, willing to sacrifice himself for the team".
Milei fue arquero en las inferiores de Chacarita
Off the field, opinions are divided. Some remember him as a reserved and quiet boy, while others claim he had a strong character and a certain arrogance, traits that have also been evident in his political profile in recent years.
One of his most memorable periods was the one he shared with the Category 70, with whom he experienced important moments and victories against major rivals such as River Plate and Vélez, where the current coach of Atlético de Madrid played.
