Argentina’s World Cup stars have reignited a decades-old rivalry with England after footage emerged of players chanting about the Falklands following their quarter-final victory over Switzerland.
Lionel Messi and his teammates were filmed celebrating with songs referencing the “Malvinas” — Argentina’s name for the Falkland Islands — ahead of their blockbuster semi-final showdown with England.
The squad chanted: “For the Malvinas, for Diego, for Leo’s last one.”
The reference has caused controversy in England because the Falkland Islands remain a major point of dispute between the two nations following the 1982 Falklands War, when 649 Argentine servicemen were killed during Argentina’s failed attempt to seize the British-controlled territory.
Imaginate haber perdido a un familiar en la guerra o haber vuelto amputado para que estos bebotes se atribuyan que van a vengar a los pibes de las Malvinas gritando desde una tribuna con aire acondicionado.
Mamita. Qué mogólicos son los futboleros. pic.twitter.com/4E9qNvxzz5
— Milton Friedom5 ✈️ (@MiltonFriedom5) July 13, 2026
The Argentina squad had reportedly sung similar Falklands-themed chants after their previous comeback victory over Egypt.
Following the win over Switzerland in Kansas City, players also joined supporters in another long-standing anti-England chant: “And you see it, and you see it; anyone who doesn’t jump is an Englishman.”
The scenes came as anticipation builds for one of international football’s fiercest rivalries.
🚨🚨| JUST IN: FIFA continues to turn a blind eye as Argentina players sing 'for the Malvinas' — Argentina's name for the 𝐅𝐀𝐋𝐊𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐒 — in post-match celebrations. The governing body declined to comment. 🏛️🇦🇷
[@MikeKeegan_DM] pic.twitter.com/QHLFNZMFxT
— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) July 12, 2026
England and Argentina have not faced each other competitively for more than two decades, with their last World Cup meeting coming in 2002, when the Three Lions won 1-0.
Their most recent encounter overall was a friendly in 2005.
Despite his extraordinary career and 205 international appearances, Messi has never played against England.
The Argentina captain will now lead his side into a semi-final clash with the Three Lions in Atlanta, with a place in the World Cup final at stake.
England booked their place in the last four after a dramatic 2-1 extra-time victory over Norway, setting up a showdown loaded with sporting history and political tension.
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