We shouldn’t confuse politics and football – Scaloni
Argentina faces England in World Cup semi-final
We shouldn t confuse politics and football – Argentina’s World Cup journey reaches a pivotal stage as they prepare to take on England in the semi-finals at Atlanta Stadium on Wednesday. Manager Lionel Scaloni has stressed the importance of keeping football and politics separate, vowing to focus solely on the match. “This is a football game, not a political statement,” he said, highlighting the need to respect the historical significance of the rivalry without letting it overshadow the competition.
“The reality is that this is a football match. I can’t mix things up, especially out of respect for what happened so many years ago,” Scaloni emphasized. “It was a very sad period in our history, and there isn’t much we can do about it. Things are happening elsewhere in the world, and we criticise the existence of war. We certainly remember those people, of course. But it is a football match; we shouldn’t confuse the two.”
Historical tensions fuel the rivalry
The clash between Argentina and England carries more than just sporting weight, rooted in the Falklands War of 1982. The 74-day conflict, which claimed 649 Argentine soldiers, 255 British combatants, and three civilians, remains a defining moment in the nations’ relationship. The British territory, known as Las Malvinas in Argentina, is still a focal point of a sovereignty dispute, adding layers of emotion to every encounter on the pitch.
A political spark from the vice-president
While Scaloni maintains a neutral stance, Argentina’s vice-president Victoria Villarruel has taken a more pointed approach. In a recent X post, she referenced a chant used by Argentina’s players after their last-16 victory over Egypt, linking it to the Falklands and the legacy of football icons Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi. “This is not just another match. I’m not going to be politically correct,” she stated. “It’s the Malvinas, it’s Diego, it’s Leo’s last one, and it’s about putting the invaders in their place. Long live Argentina! Because until our very last breath, we will reclaim what is ours!”
Team challenges and strategic focus
Despite their historic World Cup success, Argentina has faced tough tests in the knockout stages. They required extra time to defeat Cape Verde and Switzerland, with the latter match involving a 10-man squad. Scaloni, who led Argentina to victory in the 2022 tournament, remains unfazed by their recent struggles. “A month-and-a-half ago I would have taken getting to the semi-final if you had offered me that,” he said. “I don’t mind how we got here. Whether we are tired or not I don’t care. This is a World Cup semi-final.”
Scaloni has also prepared his team to counter England’s key players, Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, both of whom have scored six goals in the tournament. “They are two great players, among the best in the world. Any coach would like to have them,” he noted, underscoring the tactical importance of the matchup.
As the World Cup progresses, the football action continues. For those eager to follow the matches, the BBC and ITV offer comprehensive coverage of the 2026 knockout stages. The semi-final between Argentina and England promises to be a defining moment, blending the legacy of past battles with the hopes of a new chapter in their storied rivalry.
