Argentina’s soccer team sparked controversy by displaying a flag claiming ownership of the Falkland Islands after a triumphant victory over England. The South American side defeated England 2-1 in the semi-final match in Atlanta, shattering England’s hopes of World Cup glory after 60 years of disappointment. Tensions escalated during the game, leading to on-field altercations between the two nations.

Despite Argentina’s manager Lionel Scaloni stating his intention to keep politics separate from football, some players waved a flag emblazoned with the message “Las Malvinas son Argentinas,” asserting Argentina’s sovereignty over the Falklands. This act reignited the historical dispute between Argentina and Britain over the islands, known as the Malvinas in Argentina.

The Falkland Islands, initially claimed by the British in 1765, became a point of contention, culminating in the 1982 conflict. In a 2013 referendum, the islanders voted overwhelmingly to remain a British overseas territory, further complicating the territorial dispute.

The incident raised concerns as FIFA prohibits the display of politically charged items in stadiums. Following their quarter-final victory against Switzerland, some Argentine players were heard expressing support for the Malvinas and paying tribute to Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi.

In addition to the flag controversy, some Argentine fans were criticized for booing England’s national anthem before the match, prompting backlash on social media. Despite Scaloni’s attempts to focus on the game and avoid political entanglements, Argentina’s vice-president Victoria Villarruel emphasized the significance of facing England, declaring a commitment to reclaiming what she deemed as rightfully theirs.

The match took an unexpected turn as Anthony Gordon initially put England ahead, only for Argentina to stage a late comeback, with Enzo Fernandez equalizing and Lautaro Martinez securing the winning goal deep into stoppage time.