Argentina could be investigated by FIFA after members of the national team celebrated their dramatic 2-1 World Cup semi-final victory over England with a banner proclaiming, “The Falkland Islands are Argentinian.”
Lionel Messi and his teammates booked their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final after staging a late comeback against England in Atlanta.
England had looked on course for victory after Anthony Gordon opened the scoring, but Enzo Fernández equalised with a spectacular long-range effort in the 85th minute before Lautaro Martínez headed in a stoppage-time winner to seal Argentina’s place in the final.
However, the post-match celebrations have attracted attention for reasons beyond the result.
Midfielder Giovani Lo Celso was seen carrying the politically charged banner onto the pitch after it had initially been displayed by Argentina supporters inside the stadium.
The message could expose the team to disciplinary action, as FIFA and the International Football Association Board (IFAB) prohibit political statements, slogans and symbols during official matches.
According to IFAB regulations, players are not permitted to display political, religious or personal messages on their equipment or clothing, with violations subject to sanctions by FIFA, the relevant football association or the competition organiser.
The latest controversy follows Argentina’s quarter-final victory over Switzerland, during which several players were heard chanting, “For the Malvinas, for Diego,…” in apparent reference to the disputed islands and the late football legend Diego Maradona.
The atmosphere surrounding the fixture had already been heightened after Argentina’s Vice President, Victoria Villarruel, posted a strongly worded message on social media ahead of the encounter, describing England as “usurping pirates” and saying the match represented more than just football because of the long-running Falklands (Malvinas) dispute.
Tensions also spilled into the stands after the final whistle, with reports of clashes involving supporters in Atlanta that reportedly resulted in multiple arrests. A separate altercation involving fans was also reported in New York.
On the field, emotions boiled over after the match as England’s Morgan Rogers reportedly confronted several Argentina players before being restrained, while Jude Bellingham was also involved in a heated exchange during the post-match incidents.