The ruling Peronist coalition smashed expectations to lead the country's general election after wild-haired outsider Javier Milei hogged attention during Argentina's worst economic crisis in two decades and rising anger with the elite.

BUENOS AIRES, Oct 22 (Reuters) - Argentina’s ruling Peronist coalition smashed expectations to lead the country’s general election on Sunday, setting the stage for a polarized run-off vote next month between Economy Minister Sergio Massa and far-right libertarian radical Javier Milei.

Massa had 36.6% of the vote, ahead of Milei on just over 30%, while conservative Patricia Bullrich was behind on 23.8% with near 98% of the vote counted, a result that defied pre-election polls that had predicted a libertarian win.