By AFP

This article was published on 15 Jul 202615 Jul 2026.

The World Cup semifinal between Argentina and England has taken on political dimensions beyond the pitch, echoing the long-standing tension over the Falkland Islands.

Victoria Villarruel, Argentina’s vice president, referred to the English as “usurping pirates” ahead of the World Cup semifinal between the two nations.

“We play against the usurping pirates. It’s not just another match,” Villarruel said in a post on X.

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The high-stakes football match is set against the continuing sovereignty dispute over the Falkland Islands, known as the Malvinas in Spanish, in the South Atlantic Ocean.

“I’m not going to be politically correct or keep a cool head – it’s always something more against the English,” Villarruel wrote.

“It’s the Malvinas, it’s Diego, it’s Leo’s last run, and it’s about stopping the invaders in their tracks,” she continued, referring to the late soccer legend Diego Maradona and current star striker Lionel Messi.

“Go Argentina! Because until our very last breath, we will keep claiming what is ours!” she wrote, echoing a popular anthem sung by Argentine fans during the tournament.

Villarruel’s father fought in the 1982 Falklands War between Argentina’s military dictatorship and the United Kingdom over the South Atlantic islands, whose sovereignty remains contested.

The 74-day conflict ended in a British victory, leaving 649 Argentines and 255 Britons dead.

The vice president’s remarks stood in contrast to those of Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni and several players, who sought to play down the political and historical significance of the match.

“It’s a football match, plain and simple. So, mixing the two would be madness,” Scaloni said.

On Tuesday, Argentine Security Minister Alejandra Monteoliva said that under the security plan for the semifinal in Atlanta, fans would banned from bringing flags or other items referencing the Falkland Islands into the stadium.

Villarruel’s father fought in the 1982 Falklands War, a conflict that ended in British victory and left 649 Argentines dead. Her emotional appeal contrasts sharply with the measured tone of coach Lionel Scaloni and his players, who have sought to focus on football. The match thus carries a dual significance: a sporting showdown and a reminder of a national grievance.