He first corporal Nahuel Gallo33 years old, returned to Argentina in the early morning of March 2, 2026 after 448 days detained in Venezuela. Released on Sunday by the regime Nicolas Maduroarrived at the Ezeiza airport at 4:45 a.m. on a private plane Bombardier Learjet 60 chartered by the Argentine Football Association (AFA)with links to the leader Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia and parallel efforts to the national government.
During the flight, Gallo boarded and traveled dressed in civilian clothes, relaxed: he was seen posing with a mate in his hand and wearing the Argentine National Team shirt, in images broadcast that showed his relief and connection with the country after the long captivity in the prison of The Rodeo 1.
However, at the time of descent and the official reception, the protocol changed. Sources and posts on networks indicate that they took the Gendarmerie corporal uniform straight to the plane, and was not allowed to get off until he put it on. Thus, he emerged on the track dressed in the regulation fatigue uniform, visibly tired but upright, in the midst of a strong security operation and a cordon of honor from the force.
He was received by his wife María Alexandra Gómez and his son Víctor (three years old), with whom he starred in an emotional reunion: intense hugs on the court that captured the emotion of the end of a nightmare. Also present were the Minister of Security Alejandra Monteoliva, the Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno, the Governor of Catamarca Raúl Jalil and the Senator (and former Minister of Security) Patricia Bullrich, a key figure in the efforts and public pressure for his release since the beginning of the case.
The photos of the moment —disseminated by the Ministry of Security, Bullrich on its networks and media— show him descending from the plane in uniform, escorted, and posing or interacting in that official attire alongside Bullrich and authorities. The change of costume underlines the symbolic and institutional nature of the return: in civilian clothes on the journey (with nods to football and Argentina), but as a gendarme for the protocol photo and salute to the Force and the country.
Gallo was later transferred to Sentinel Building of the Gendarmerie in Retiro for exhaustive medical check-ups (including CT scans and psychological evaluations), and the president is expected Javier Milei receive him soon to give him a decoration for his resistance during detention.
The episode generated repercussions: the Government admitted not having participated directly in the final negotiation (via AFA and football), and there were disagreements due to the flight’s links with leaders linked to Chavismo.
by RN
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