Argentina players celebrated their dramatic 2-1 World Cup semi-final victory over England by unveiling a banner reading “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” — and former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Giovani Lo Celso was at the centre of the storm.
After Lionel Messi orchestrated a stunning late comeback to sink England in Atlanta, the Argentina squad gathered on the pitch and unfurled the provocative banner, which translates as “The Falklands are Argentine.” The gesture is certain to infuriate fans and officials in the United Kingdom, and FIFA is reportedly set to open disciplinary proceedings.
Dramatic collapse costs England
England had taken a 55th-minute lead through Anthony Gordon's fine finish and looked on course for a first World Cup final since 1966. But Thomas Tuchel's side failed to build on their advantage, and two moments of magic from Messi — setting up Enzo Fernandez to equalise in the 85th minute and then Lautaro Martinez to win it in stoppage time — sent Argentina through to a final against Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Harry Kane, the England captain, did not hide his disappointment.
“I’m gutted. I’m gutted for the boys, the team, the staff, the fans. Once we went 1-0 up we seemed to just try and hold on, which ultimately cost us,”Kane told reporters. Wayne Rooney, working as a pundit, was equally critical of Tuchel's substitutions, saying they invited Argentina pressure and affected the players' mentality.
Political flashpoint
The use of the Falklands banner immediately drew attention away from the football. Lo Celso, who spent several seasons at Tottenham, was pictured holding the banner alongside his teammates. The former Spur later celebrated wildly on social media, further fuelling the controversy.
The Falkland Islands, a British Overseas Territory, were the subject of a 1982 war between the UK and Argentina. Argentina continues to claim sovereignty. FIFA regulations expressly forbid political statements during matches, and the world governing body is expected to impose a significant fine on the Argentine Football Association (AFA).
An AFA spokesperson reportedly told Argentine media that the celebration was “a spontaneous expression of national pride” and not intended to offend, but such arguments are unlikely to sway the disciplinary committee.
Reactions pour in
Prince William, the FA president, said he was “gutted” about the defeat but urged the England players to “hold your heads high.” British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer added that while the loss hurt, “the passion and energy they’ve shown representing the badge has made us all proud.”
England manager Tuchel admitted his team “got too passive” after taking the lead, while former Three Lions captain Rooney singled out the substitutions as a key turning point in the match.
What next?
Argentina will face Spain in the final on Sunday, aiming to become the first team to retain the World Cup since Brazil in 1962. For England, the pain of a semi-final exit is compounded by the political sting; the Football Association and British government are expected to lodge official complaints.
Meanwhile, the banner incident ensures that the already fierce rivalry between these two nations will have an extra edge the next time they meet.