Villarruel's inflammatory remarks on social media
Argentina's Vice President Victoria Villarruel has stoked tensions ahead of the World Cup semi-final against England, labelling the English as 'usurping pirates' and 'invaders' in a post on X. The countries are set to reignite their sporting rivalry on Wednesday in Atlanta, with a place in the final against Spain at stake.
'Tomorrow we play against the usurping pirates,' Villarruel wrote. 'This isn't just another match. I'm not going to be politically correct or cold-hearted; against the English, it's always something more. It's the Malvinas, it's Diego, it's Leo's last one, and it's putting the brakes on the invaders. Go Argentina! Because until our last breath, we're going to claim what's ours!'
Football rivalry and historical context
The footballing rivalry between Argentina and England stems from memorable World Cup clashes: the 1966 quarter-final, the 1986 match featuring Diego Maradona's 'Hand of God' goal, the dramatic 1998 encounter, and the tense 2002 group stage meeting. However, the nations also share a fraught history beyond sport, particularly over the Falkland Islands, known in Argentina as Islas Malvinas.
The countries went to war in 1982 over the islands, a conflict won by Britain. The Falklands remain a British Overseas Territory, but Argentina maintains a claim to the archipelago in the South Atlantic Ocean. In 2013, a sovereignty referendum saw over 99 per cent of Falkland Islanders vote to remain a British territory. Earlier this month, a spokesperson for UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer reiterated that 'the islanders have repeatedly expressed their wish to remain a British overseas territory, and their right to self-determination is paramount.'
Players and coaches downplay tension
Despite Villarruel's rhetoric, the Argentina team and management have tried to play down the tension. Manager Lionel Scaloni said: 'The message is this is a football game. That is what I can say. We will be playing against a very tough opponent, they have an excellent coach, it is a football game and that is all.' Midfielder Leandro Paredes acknowledged the importance of the fixture but echoed the sentiment: 'We know what the game against England means for our country, but it's a game of football and we'll try to address it in the best way.'
England captain Harry Kane told ITV: 'I think it's not something you want to focus too much on the surrounding the history, and yeah, that's all part of it, and that's what you guys will talk about. But from players' point of view, it's us against a great team who are smart, who are tactical, who know how to buy fouls, know how to slow the game down.'
