Alexis Mac Allister's mother, Silvina Riela, has confessed that her son's time in the Premier League transformed her negative perception of England. The Liverpool midfielder is set to line up for Argentina in a World Cup semi-final against England on Wednesday, a fixture steeped in football rivalry and political history due to the Falklands War.
Context of the Rivalry
The meeting marks a new chapter in the football rivalry between the two nations, having faced off in three World Cups between 1986 and 2002. The fixture is politically charged due to the Falklands War, a 74-day conflict in 1982, which resulted in the deaths of 649 Argentine and 255 British military personnel, as well as three civilians. The conflict centred on the Falkland Islands, a British overseas territory that Argentina continues to claim and refer to as the Malvinas.
The Argentina squad chanted about the Falklands after their quarter-final win over Switzerland, singing in the dressing room: "For the Malvinas, For Diego [Maradona], For Leo's [Messi's] last one." The players have also joined supporters in singing an anti-English song that has been part of Argentinian football culture for decades: "And you see it, and you see it, anyone who doesn't jump is an Englishman."
Silvina Riela's Changed View
This context shaped how Silvina Riela viewed England before her son's move. She admitted to previously having misconceptions until spending time in the country. “I had a rather negative impression of England, at least regarding living there, due to the cold and the lack of sunshine. In my ignorance, I used to say, ‘I hope we never end up in England,’” she said on Radio Mitre’s ‘Alguien tiene que decirlo’ programme.
“But now that I’ve experienced it, everything has changed, even the way I see the people. I expected to encounter cold, distant people, but they are actually very polite and respectful. We were welcomed by a country that has treated us in the best possible way.”
Family Ties and Football
In terms of the anti-English feelings within Argentine football, she continued: “There is that situation involving England, stemming somewhat from the history regarding the Malvinas Islands. As [Argentina manager Lionel] Scaloni said, it’s just a football match. “My granddaughter was born in England. So, when everyone sings, ‘Whoever doesn’t jump is English,’ I stay seated with her. I can’t join in on that; I don’t participate in that part,” she laughed.
Mac Allister is aiming to win consecutive World Cups and has started all six of Argentina’s matches at the tournament so far. Ahead of the semi-final, the 27-year-old shared his stance on the England rivalry and thoughts on the Falklands War.
“We understand the context behind it, all the rivalry stemming from past events and history,” Mac Allister said. “Obviously, we also realise that this isn't the fault of their people or ours, but rather those in positions of power, so we shouldn't conflate the two. “I have a lot of respect for [England]; I’ve been there for six years now, and they’ve always treated me incredibly well. From a footballing perspective, there’s no doubt they want to beat us at all costs, and it’s going to be a very tough match. So now, the task is to prepare the best we can; while there is mutual respect, it’s going to be a great battle out on the pitch.”
