The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has officially designated July 15 as National Football Teams Day, a date chosen in part to commemorate the country's World Cup semi-final victory over England this summer. The decision was made at a meeting of the Association and Professional League Executive Committee, led by AFA president Claudio Tapia.
The date marks the match in Atlanta where Lionel Scaloni's side defeated England 2–1 with two late goals, ending England's hopes of reaching a first World Cup final since 1966. Argentina ultimately lost the final to Spain 1–0.
Tribute to all national teams
In a statement, the AFA explained that the tribute is not solely for the senior team's achievement but also for all national teams, including youth, men's, and women's squads that train at the Lionel Andres Messi complex. The statement described the victory as having "set the whole country alight, with people flooding the streets in pure celebration."
The move comes amid ongoing controversy over the post-match celebration, during which Argentina players displayed a banner reading "Las Malvinas son Argentinas" (The Malvinas are Argentine). FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against Argentina over the incident, citing potential breaches including discriminatory chants, misconduct, and the display of inappropriate messages.
Falklands banner to be handed to veterans
It has also emerged that the banner, reportedly handmade from a bed sheet with black paint, is to be given to Argentine veterans of the Falklands conflict. The banner was passed to players Lisandro Martínez, Cuti Romero, and Giovanni Lo Celso, though most of the squad lined up behind it. Its creators are said to be from Villa Luro, a district of Buenos Aires, and reportedly smuggled it into the stadium by concealing it in their underwear.
The flag has since inspired imitations in Argentine stadiums, with clubs like Ferro Carril Oeste adopting its typeface. According to reports, the banner is currently in the possession of Patricio Auber, who accompanied the team delegation to the World Cup, and will soon be handed over to veterans of the 1982 conflict.
