An Argentina fan has boasted of smuggling the notorious 'Las Malvinas son Argentinas' banner into the World Cup semi-final against England by hiding it in his underpants. The supporter, identifying himself only as Santiago, said he used his hotel bedsheets and a £7 pot of black paint to create the sign, which triggered a diplomatic dispute between London and Buenos Aires.
How the banner was made and smuggled
Santiago explained in an interview with Argentinian news outlet Todo Noticias that he and his companions bought cheap paint and a brush for less than $10 from a nearby store, identified as Home Depot. They used a hotel bedsheet, cut it in half, laid it on the floor, and painted the message. 'I folded it as much as I could, put it in my private parts to get through security checks, and in the end we managed to get in,' he said.
Banner reaches players
During the match, Santiago threw the banner to Argentina player Montiel, who passed it to Lo Celso. Lo Celso was the first to hold it up, and teammates joined in celebrating their 2-1 victory. 'When I saw Lo Celso unfold it and his teammates holding it on the field, I felt a joy that I can’t put into words,' Santiago said. The team kept the banner, and it was taken back to the Argentina team hotel.
Political fallout
Downing Street issued a 'hands off' warning, with the prime minister’s spokeswoman stating: 'The World Cup might not be ours, but the Falkland Islands definitely are.' Former England international Peter Reid described the display as 'beyond the pale.' A FIFA spokesperson said the independent disciplinary committee is assessing the match reports and considering potential further steps based on the disciplinary code.
Argentina leaders back players
Argentina’s President Javier Milei supported the players, calling their actions 'understandable' and 'perfectly valid and legitimate.' He noted that in a worst-case scenario, FIFA might impose a $30,000 economic sanction. Vice-President Victoria Villarruel, who had previously called the English 'usurping pirates,' posted footage of Argentinian soldiers on the march, writing: 'Come on Argentina: this wasn’t just another match.'
Historical context
Political tensions over the Falkland Islands, known as Las Malvinas in Spanish, have persisted for decades. A short but bloody war in 1982 ended with British victory. In a 2013 referendum, islanders overwhelmingly voted to remain a British overseas territory, but Argentine officials have questioned its legitimacy. Days before the semi-final, Argentine foreign minister Pablo Quirno claimed the population was 'artificially implanted by the occupying power,' a claim rejected by Downing Street.
