The Argentine Federation of War Veterans called on fans to focus on football ahead of the World Cup semi-final against England, rather than using the match as a platform to promote sovereignty claims over the South Atlantic islands. Argentina and Britain fought a brief dispute over the islands, known as the Falkland Islands by the British and the Malvinas Islands by Argentines, in 1982, which resulted in the deaths of 649 Argentine soldiers and 255 British combatants. The Argentine Federation of War Veterans said: 'The match is not an armed rematch, nor a historical compensation,' and urged fans and the public in general to honor the memory of the Argentine soldiers killed in the conflict without promoting hatred or xenophobia. Britain claims sovereignty over the islands and maintains a military presence there, while Argentina continues to pursue its claim through diplomatic channels and international bodies, including the United Nations. During the World Cup, Argentine fans and players have been chanting a reference to the islands, to Diego Maradona, and to Lionel Messi's quest to end his international career by winning the title for the second time. But Argentine players and their coaching staff have sought to downplay the talk of rivalry ahead of Wednesday's match, and coach Lionel Scaloni said there would be nothing more than football at stake when the two teams meet in Atlanta. England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford echoed his words, saying the semi-final clash is 'just a football match.'