Britain’s Trade Minister Chris Bryant said he was texting his Argentinian counterpart, Fernando Brun, ahead of England’s World Cup clash with the champions on Wednesday — and plans to exchange soccer shirts with him.

Speaking to POLITICO in London earlier this week, Bryant said he and Brun had forged a good relationship during trade talks. “I’m quite friendly with him. He’s a really nice guy,” he said. “I’m teasing him. Obviously Argentina’s bound to lose.”

Bryant has been pushing for a free-trade agreement with Mercosur — the South American bloc comprising Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay and recent joiner Bolivia — arguing it would be a “no-brainer” after the EU struck its own deal.

The football rivalry, it seems, hasn’t got in the way of the trade relationship.

Forrás