The controversy surrounding Argentina's Falkland Islands banner has taken a new turn, with reports that the message remains in the team's possession ahead of the 2026 World Cup final on Sunday against Spain and that they may raise it if they win the tournament.

The banner, which read 'Las Malvinas son Argentinas' (The Malvinas are Argentine), was lifted by Argentina players after their dramatic 2-1 semi-final victory over England in Atlanta. Midfielder Giovani Lo Celso picked up the banner after it was thrown onto the pitch and raised it alongside teammates Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez.

The gesture sparked an angry diplomatic reaction in the United Kingdom, where the Falkland Islands have remained a British Overseas Territory since the Falklands War in 1982. Many in Britain considered the political message inappropriate for a sporting celebration.

FIFA has already confirmed that its disciplinary committee is reviewing the incident and may impose sanctions, stating it is studying match reports and the surrounding circumstances before deciding on any potential penalty.

However, according to reports from Argentina published by La Nacion, the banner has not been disposed of. Argentina team equipment manager Patricio Obr shared a photo of the banner on social media with the caption: 'To whom it may concern... it is in safe hands.'

The possibility of the banner reappearing after the final at MetLife Stadium has fueled further speculation, and a repeat display could provoke a stronger reaction from FIFA, especially after it already faced questions about the political nature of the message.

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