Victoria Villarruel, the Vice President of Argentina, has stoked tensions ahead of the World Cup semi-final clash with England, labelling the English as 'usurping pirates' and 'invaders'. The match, set for Wednesday in Atlanta, will decide who faces Spain in the final.
Villarruel's inflammatory remarks
Writing on X, Villarruel said: 'Tomorrow we play against the usurping pirates. This isn’t just another match. I’m not going to be politically correct or cold-hearted; against the English, it’s always something more. It’s the Malvinas, it’s Diego, it’s Leo’s last one, and it’s putting the brakes on the invaders. Go Argentina! Because until our last breath, we’re going to claim what’s ours!'
The comments reference the Falkland Islands—known as Islas Malvinas in Argentina—over which the two nations went to war in 1982. Britain won the conflict, and the islands remain a British Overseas Territory. Argentina continues to claim sovereignty.
Football rivalry and historical context
The footballing rivalry between Argentina and England includes memorable World Cup meetings in 1966, 1986 (featuring Diego Maradona's 'Hand of God' goal), 1998, and 2002. The 1986 match, in particular, is etched in history due to Maradona's brilliance and controversy.
In 2013, a sovereignty referendum in the Falkland Islands saw over 99% of voters choose to remain a British Overseas Territory. Responding to recent criticism of that referendum by Argentina's foreign minister Pablo Quirno, a spokesperson for UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated: 'The UK’s position is clear. The islanders have repeatedly expressed their wish to remain a British overseas territory, and their right to self-determination is paramount. In 2013, the people of the Falkland Islands voted overwhelmingly in favour of remaining a UK overseas territory.'
Players and managers attempt to cool tensions
While Villarruel's remarks have inflamed passions, the Argentina team and management have tried to downplay the political dimension. Manager Lionel Scaloni said: 'The message is this is a football game. That is what I can say. We will be playing against a very tough opponent, they have an excellent coach, it is a football game and that is all.'
Midfielder Leandro Paredes acknowledged the fixture's importance but echoed Scaloni: 'We know what the game against England means for our country, but it’s a game of football and we’ll try to address it in the best way.'
England captain Harry Kane told ITV: 'I think it’s not something you want to focus too much on the surrounding the history, and yeah, that’s all part of it, and that’s what you guys will talk about. But from players’ point of view, it’s us against a great team who are smart, who are tactical, who know how to buy fouls, know how to slow the game down.'
