The President of the Argentine Republic, Javier Gerardo Milei, received the Salta-based pilots Luciano and Kevin Benavides at the Casa Rosada in an official ceremony of recognition after their victory in the 2026 Dakar Rally. The meeting took place on the first floor of the Government Palace, specifically in the presidential office, and centered on a tribute to Luciano Benavides, who achieved one of the greatest milestones in Argentine motorcycling by winning the motorcycle category of the 2026 Dakar Rally. On the same day, the President combined the sporting tribute with an institutional meeting related to the launch of the new National Identity Document, which was attended by ministers and officials from his cabinet, thus reinforcing the government's agenda. The meeting concluded with a formal recognition of the Salta-based pilots, who continue to establish themselves as leaders of Argentine sport on a global level, and with the promise to continue promoting the country's prestige through its representatives in major international competitions. The historic event took place just a few weeks ago and is still generating repercussions in the national and international sports world. From the government, they highlighted that the recognition is part of a policy of valuing individual merit and personal effort, concepts that President Milei often emphasizes in his public appearances. In this sense, the head of state had previously received other elite athletes after notable achievements, as was the case of José “Maligno” Torres, who was honored after conquering the Olympic gold medal at the Paris 2024 Games. The reception for the Benavides brothers also marked Milei's return to public activity after several days without official events. His recovery was against the clock and was accompanied by intense physical and mental work, in addition to the constant support of his inner circle, and especially his brother Kevin, who became a key figure as a sports guide and motivator. Far from being left aside, Luciano managed to recover and arrive in optimal conditions in Saudi Arabia, where he delivered a career-defining performance. Accompanied by his brother Kevin, an undisputed reference in the discipline and two-time champion of the competition in 2021 and 2023, the new champion had a relaxed chat with the president, in which the effort, perseverance, and international projection of Argentine sport were highlighted. Luciano Benavides, from the province of Salta, reached the pinnacle of world rally raid after a path marked by adversity. His victory at Dakar 2026 not only meant a personal achievement but also a new chapter of glory for Argentine motorcycling, which once again reached the top of the podium in one of the toughest and most prestigious competitions in the world. Months before the most demanding event on the motorsports calendar, the pilot suffered an injury during the first stage of the Rally of Morocco, a blow that seriously jeopardized his participation in the Dakar.
