Lucas Beltrán scored his first goal for Valencia, but it was not enough to avoid a 2-1 defeat against Atlético de Madrid in Matchday 16 of the 2025–26 LaLiga season. The Argentine forward came off the bench and found the net in the second half at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano.
Beltrán entered the match in the 10th minute of the second half and scored eight minutes later. After receiving the ball at the edge of the box, he beat a defender with a quick move and finished with a precise shot into the corner.
Atlético de Madrid featured several Argentine players. Nahuel Molina, Nicolás González, Giuliano Simeone, and Julián Álvarez started the match, while Juan Musso and Thiago Almada were unused substitutes. The result leaves Valencia on 15 points, currently outside the relegation zone on goal difference, while Atlético remain in the top four of the standings.
Baires Grill has become a familiar name for Argentine communities across the United States, not only as a restaurant but also as a meeting point tied closely to national identity, football, and tradition. Founded by Gustavo Abudiab, Natalia Denegri and Martín Koenig, the brand has steadily expanded since its arrival in the U.S. market more than a decade ago and is now preparing for a new phase of growth linked to the Argentine national team and the 2026 World Cup.
“We had only one location in 2014, and now we are close to opening our tenth,” Abudiab said.
For Abudiab, the growth of Baires Grill represents more than business expansion. He sees the brand as a cultural bridge for Argentines living abroad. “For us, it’s a source of pride because, in a way, we are representing our cuisine, our customs, and all our traditions,” he said. “Good asado, good meat, good wine. Mendoza wines are very prominent for us. About 80 percent of our wines are Argentine labels.”
He added that Baires Grill often functions as a cultural outpost. “Basically, I think we are a bit of an embassy outside our country,” Abudiab said. “It really is a joy. Beyond Argentines, we also have many local customers—Latinos and Americans—who become regulars and truly enjoy Argentine gastronomy.”
Photo courtesy of Baires Grill.
The rise of Argentine football’s profile in the United States has also played a role in expanding interest in Argentine food and culture. According to Abudiab, the arrival of Lionel Messi and the recent concentration of major football events have intensified that connection. “I think it fundamentally amplified something that already existed,” he said. “There was already interest. Worldwide, our meat and our wine are very well known. Wherever you travel, people know we have the best meat in the world.”
He pointed to the broader football context as well. “The presence of Messi, plus events like the Copa América, the Club World Cup, the upcoming World Cup, and the Women’s World Cup—all of that created a platform,” Abudiab explained. “Football traditionally wasn’t deeply rooted in American culture, but all of this really boosted interest. Messi and other important players created a real boom and helped people get closer to our culture.”
That cultural connection deepened significantly through Baires Grill’s relationship with the Argentine Football Association (AFA). The partnership traces back to 2022, before the World Cup in Qatar. “Before the World Cup, the AFA came to play a friendly match in Miami,” Abudiab recalled. “They were staying in Fort Lauderdale, they called us, and they came to have dinner at our Fort Lauderdale location on Las Olas Boulevard.”
The restaurant closed to host the entire delegation. “About 90 people came—players, coaching staff, assistants, everyone,” he said. “It became a kind of cabala. After the first match in Qatar, which was a disaster that we couldn’t believe, everything turned around and we ended up becoming world champions.”
Photo courtesy of Baires Grill.
Following that moment, Baires Grill became a frequent gathering place for players, families, and staff. “We always had visits from many of the players, their families, wives, friends,” Abudiab said. “It really became a meeting point, and from there we built a relationship with the AFA.”
That relationship eventually led to Baires Grill becoming the official restaurant of the Argentine national team. “The idea of being the official restaurant of the national team came from that bond,” he explained. “It was finalized earlier this year, after ongoing conversations.”
Looking ahead, the partnership will become even more visible as the 2026 World Cup approaches. “We’re going to have official national team merchandise, everything related to football,” Abudiab said. “Matches will be broadcast live, and there will be many things that connect Argentine customs—good food, good wine—with football, which is our passion.”
Expansion is also a key part of Baires Grill’s future plans. A new location in Orlando is currently under construction and is expected to open in February 2026. “We are in the middle of construction and development,” Abudiab confirmed. The brand also operates a successful location in New York, its first U.S. restaurant.
Photo courtesy of Baires Grill.
Beyond the United States, Baires Grill is preparing to launch in Argentina. “We are working on registering the brand and developing projects in Buenos Aires,” Abudiago said. “We have two projects—one in Puerto Madero and one in the Northeast—and possibly another on the Costanera.”
For Abudiago, returning to Argentina carries symbolic weight. “It’s a dream we didn’t originally plan,” he admitted. “Many Argentines went to the United States to try their luck. We succeeded in the U.S., and now we’re coming back to Argentina. It’s the reverse path—bringing our tradition back to our country.”
He emphasized the scale of the opportunity. “We currently serve more than 800,000 people per year, a large percentage of them Argentine, both locals and tourists,” he explained. “The idea is to connect football and our gastronomy to create something very special.”
While details are still being finalized, Abudiago made the vision clear: “It’s going to be Baires Grill and the national team together. Baires and the Selección.”
The Argentina national team could play Senegal in March.
Lionel Scaloni’s team could play two matches in March 2026 and one of them could be against Senegal. According to Equipe du Senegal, the Senegalese Football Federation received propositions to play the Argentina national team and the Saudi Arabian national team.
Argentina are rumored to play Spain in the Finalissima in March and this would be the second match if it does happen. Argentina have been drawn in Group J at the World Cup along with Algeria, Austria and Jordan while Senegal are in Group I with France, Norway and a playoff winner.
Julián Álvarez spoke about the rumors in the media linking him with a move to FC Barcelona.
Álvarez has been linked with a move to FC Barcelona but the Argentine remains focused at Atletico Madrid. Speaking in an interview with Marca, the 25 year old commented on the rumors linking Cristian Romero of Tottenham Hotspur to Atletico Madrid. In the same interview, he was asked about him being linked to the Catalan club. Here is what he had to say:
“Well, it doesn’t bother me. I try not to pay too much attention, but I know what people are saying. They talk about it on social media. I think it’s more what people say than what’s actually happening. I’m very focused on this season, on what lies ahead with Atlético Madrid. So, I try to ignore it and think about myself, about continuing to grow as a player and winning.”
Julián Álvarez spoke about Cristian Romero being linked with a move to Atletico Madrid.
Álvarez joined Atletico Madrid last year and has played with several Argentine players. During the summer transfer market, Cristian Romero was being linked with a move from Tottenham Hotspur to Diego Simeone’s team. Speaking in an interview with Marca, Julián Álvarez spoke about Romero and if he would like to play with him. Here is what he had to say:
“Yes, yes. Obviously, I would have liked to. Cuti is one of the best defenders in the world. I spend time with him on the national team, and I really think he’s a star, a competitive animal, very strong defensively. And yes, I had some conversations with him, and due to details, it didn’t happen, but hopefully one day we can play together.”
