Veterans urge Argentina fans to keep England semifinal about football
An Argentine veterans group said the World Cup match should not be used to fuel hostility over the disputed South Atlantic islands.
By Lucas Ferreira · Science & Environment Writer
2 min read
An Argentine war veterans federation has urged supporters not to turn Argentina’s World Cup semifinal against England into a platform for political hostility over the disputed South Atlantic islands. The appeal matters because the fixture carries a heavy history beyond football, including the 1982 war between Argentina and Britain.
Reuters reported that the April 2 War Veterans Federation issued the call on Monday before Wednesday’s semifinal in Atlanta. The group said the match should not be treated as an “armed rematch” or a form of historical payback, and asked fans to honor Argentina’s dead without encouraging hatred or xenophobia.
Argentina calls the islands the Malvinas, while Britain calls them the Falklands. Reuters reported that 649 Argentine soldiers and 255 British fighters died in the short 1982 conflict.
The federation said Argentina’s sovereignty claim belongs in diplomatic channels and international forums. In its statement, the group said the claim should be pursued through diplomacy, historical truth and the peaceful position set out in Argentina’s constitution.
“We consider it essential to draw a clear and unwavering line between sporting passion and the national cause,” the federation said, according to Reuters. The group added that pride in Argentina’s colors could grow during the match while memory of the war remains intact.
Players and coaches play down rivalry
The United Kingdom claims sovereignty over the islands and keeps a military presence there, Reuters reported. Argentina continues to press its claim through diplomatic means and international bodies, including the United Nations.
The issue has followed Argentina during the World Cup. Reuters reported that Argentina supporters and players have sung a chant referring to the islands, Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi’s pursuit of a second World Cup title before the end of his international career.
Argentina’s team has tried to lower the temperature before the meeting with England. Manager Lionel Scaloni said the semifinal would have nothing beyond football at stake, Reuters reported.
England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford made a similar point Monday. “It’s two proud nations. The football will do its talking,” Pickford told reporters, according to Reuters.
Argentina and England have a long competitive history at the World Cup. Their past meetings include the 1986 quarterfinal, when Maradona scored the famous “Hand of God” goal.
The semifinal will decide which team advances from a matchup loaded with sporting and political memory. The veterans federation’s message was that Argentina’s supporters can back their team without turning the match into a proxy battle over the islands.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.