Argentine Vice President calls England ‘usurping pirates’ ahead of World Cup semi-final

By Ananya Iyer — 15 July 2026 — 3 min read

Political Tensions Ahead of Semi-Final

Argentina’s Vice President, Victoria Villarruel, has referred to England as “usurping pirates” in anticipation of the upcoming World Cup semi-final match between the two nations. Her comments were made in a social media post, where she stated, “We play against the usurping pirates. It’s not just another match.” Villarruel further expressed that she would not be “politically correct or keep a cool head,” asserting that the match is “always something more against the English.”

The vice president’s remarks connect the football match to the ongoing sovereignty dispute over the Falkland Islands, known in Argentina as the Malvinas. She invoked the memory of the late football legend Diego Maradona and the current star striker Lionel Messi, stating, “It’s the Malvinas, it’s Diego, it’s Leo’s last run, and it’s about stopping the invaders in their tracks.” Villarruel concluded her post with an echo of a popular Argentine fan anthem, declaring, “Go Argentina! Because until our very last breath, we will keep claiming what is ours!”

Villarruel’s father participated in the 1982 Falklands War, a 74-day conflict between Argentina and the United Kingdom over the South Atlantic islands. The war concluded with a British victory, resulting in the deaths of 649 Argentines and 255 Britons. The sovereignty of these islands remains contested.

In contrast to the vice president’s statements, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni and several players have sought to downplay the political and historical implications of the match. Scaloni described it as “a football match, plain and simple,” adding that “mixing the two would be madness.” Additionally, Argentine Security Minister Alejandra Monteoliva announced a security plan for the semi-final in Atlanta, which includes banning fans from bringing flags or other items referencing the Falkland Islands into the stadium.

Historical Context and Player Reactions

The historical backdrop of the Falklands War continues to influence perceptions of matches between Argentina and England. Decades ago, ahead of a 1986 World Cup quarter-final against England, Diego Maradona also faced questions about the political significance of the game. He maintained that it was “just a match,” a sentiment echoed by Scaloni decades later. However, former Argentina defender José Luis Brown recalled Maradona’s passionate address to his teammates before that 1986 game, referencing the conflict.

The image of Maradona remains prominent among Argentine supporters, often displayed on banners alongside Lionel Messi at World Cup matches. His name is frequently invoked in songs, and his past anti-English sentiments, including claims about stolen victories in previous World Cups, continue to circulate among a new generation of fans. One widely adopted anthem by Argentine players and fans, “La Cuarta Estrella,” references the Malvinas and Diego, highlighting the enduring connection between football and national identity.

Despite the historical and political undertones, Lionel Messi, who will face England for the first time in his international career, maintained a measured tone. After Argentina’s victory over Switzerland, Messi described the upcoming match as “special” because it would be his first encounter with England. He acknowledged England as “one of football’s great powerhouses,” expressing excitement about competing against a team of that calibre in a World Cup semi-final.

This semi-final clash follows a demanding schedule for the Argentine side, who have played 240 minutes of football in less than a week. The team has advanced through the tournament despite facing challenges and has been described as relying on an ageing core, having nearly been eliminated twice by less formidable opposition.

The match is scheduled to take place on July 15.

Source: aljazeera.com