By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Argentina’s Vice President, Victoria Villarruel, reignited the Falklands Islands sovereignty dispute on Tuesday by calling the English “usurping pirates” ahead of Wednesday’s World Cup semi-final between Argentina and England. She made the remarks in a post on X, urging Argentines to rally behind their national team while linking the match to the long-running territorial dispute over the South Atlantic islands.
Villarruel Links Football to Falklands Dispute
Villarruel described the match as more than football, saying it carried historical and national significance.
“Tomorrow we play against the usurping pirates. It’s not just another match,” she wrote on X.
She also declared that she would not remain politically neutral.
“I’m not going to be politically correct or keep a cool head. It’s always something more against the English,” she added.
The vice president further connected the fixture to Argentina’s claim over the Falkland Islands, known in Spanish as the Malvinas.
“It’s the Malvinas, it’s Diego, it’s Leo’s last run, and it’s about stopping the invaders in their tracks,” she said, referring to football legend Diego Maradona and captain Lionel Messi.
Villarruel concluded her message with a patriotic call.
“Go Argentina! Because until our very last breath, we will keep claiming what is ours!”
Argentine Team Distances Itself From Politics
However, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni rejected attempts to attach political meaning to the match.
“It’s a football match, plain and simple. So, mixing the two would be madness,” Scaloni said.
Several Argentine players also played down the historical and political significance of the encounter.
Security Measures for the Semi-Final
Meanwhile, Argentine Security Minister Alejandra Monteoliva announced strict security measures for the semi-final in Atlanta.
She said fans would not be allowed to bring flags or other items referencing the Falkland Islands into the stadium.
The restriction aims to prevent political demonstrations during the highly anticipated fixture.
Falklands War Still Shapes Relations
The Falkland Islands remain at the centre of a decades-long sovereignty dispute between Argentina and the United Kingdom.
Villarruel’s father fought in the 1982 Falklands War, which lasted 74 days.
Britain emerged victorious from the conflict, which claimed the lives of 649 Argentines and 255 Britons.
Although the war ended more than four decades ago, Argentina continues to claim sovereignty over the islands, while the United Kingdom maintains control.
