Argentina’s dramatic World Cup semi-final victory over England descended into controversy when players unfurled a banner bearing the slogan “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” — a provocative political statement on the Falkland Islands sovereignty dispute.
Late comeback sets up final
After Anthony Gordon gave England a 55th-minute lead, late goals from Enzo Fernandez (85’) and Lautaro Martinez (90+2’), both set up by Lionel Messi, stunned Thomas Tuchel’s side and sent the defending champions through to face Spain in Sunday’s final.
Political statement overshadows celebrations
Moments after the final whistle, defender Lisandro Martínez and midfielder Giovani Lo Celso were seen grinning and waving the banner to fans, which translates as “The Malvinas are Argentinian” — a reference to the 1982 conflict between the UK and Argentina over the islands, which left 649 Argentines and 255 Britons dead.
“We understand it’s a football game that transcends; it brings back memories of what Diego did. We sing songs about our Malvinas heroes, mainly to remember them, but we have to understand that it’s a football match and that the Malvinas have to be discussed elsewhere. What happened was an atrocity and we always remember the fallen, but what we want is to win this match to get to the final,” said Argentina midfielder Rodrigo De Paul.
FIFA’s stadium code of conduct prohibits “banners… that are of a political, offensive, and/or discriminatory nature”. The governing body did not immediately respond to requests for comment, but Argentina are likely to face a fine over the incident.
Pre-match warnings ignored
Argentina’s security minister, Alejandra Monteoliva, had earlier confirmed that 1,600 officers would be deployed and that “the entry of elements that have any type of provocative message” was banned. The banner’s origin remains unclear.
Tuchel’s tactical regrets
England’s performance unravelled after Gordon’s opener, with Tuchel admitting his side “got too passive”. Captain Harry Kane echoed that sentiment: “Once we went 1-0 up we seemed to just try and hold on, which at this level is not enough.”
Former England striker Wayne Rooney was critical of the substitutions, saying Tuchel’s changes “invited Argentina to attack” and affected the mentality. Prince William, the FA president, told the squad to “hold your heads high” in a social media post.
Argentina will now face Spain in the final in New Jersey, while England exit at the semi-final stage for the second consecutive World Cup.