Argentina's preparations for the World Cup final have been thrown into disarray after the defending champions were grounded in Atlanta by poor weather. Lionel Scaloni's side will face Spain in Sunday's showpiece, having defeated England in the semi-finals. Victory would make them only the third team in history to claim back-to-back World Cup titles, following Italy and Brazil.
Travel Chaos and Limited Preparation Time
The final is scheduled to take place at MetLife Stadium, where England beat Panama 2-0 during the group stages. Argentina had intended to fly out on Friday, allowing themselves two days to prepare for Spain. However, according to The Sun, the squad remains stranded in Atlanta following significant flight delays. It is reported that fierce thunderstorms left the Argentine party unable to depart until operations at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport resume.
The flight from Atlanta to New York typically takes around two hours and 20 minutes, meaning that if they are forced to wait until Saturday morning, they will have little more than a single full day before the final.
FIFA Investigation Over Falklands Banner
Argentina also face the prospect of FIFA sanctions after several of their players were seen celebrating their win over England by brandishing a banner referencing the Falkland Islands. The banner, smuggled into the stadium by supporters, bore the message: "Las Malvinas son Argentinas", which translates as "The Falklands are Argentine." FIFA regulations prohibit political messaging, raising the prospect that Argentina could face sanctions.
A fine appears the most probable outcome. FIFA has confirmed it is investigating the matter, while the Falkland Islands government released a statement roundly condemning the conduct of the Argentina players. It said: "The Falklands government is disappointed, though regrettably not surprised, that the Argentine football team decided to tarnish the result of last night's World Cup football semi-final, a game that did not in any case involve the Falkland Islands. That said, it is hardly news to anyone that the people of the islands were victims of an aggressive invasion in 1982, which left many traumatised. The banner displayed by Argentina, therefore, was particularly insensitive for many people in the Falklands. We hope FIFA will make good on their promise to keep politics out of sport, and sanction all behaviour of this nature in line with its own rules."
