Argentinian players celebrated their World Cup semi-final victory over England with a banner reading “The Malvinas are Argentine,” highlighting the ongoing dispute over the Falkland Islands. Former Tottenham midfielder Giovani Lo Celso was seen holding the sign while his teammates danced on the pitch after their 2-1 victory over the Three Lions in Atlanta on Wednesday.

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According to FIFA rules, political slogans are prohibited from being displayed on the pitch or on players’ equipment.

Tensions had escalated before the match concerning the sovereignty of the Falklands, which lie 300 miles off the coast of Argentina and have been a British Overseas Territory since 1833.

During the 1982 Falklands War, 907 individuals—649 Argentine troops, 255 British soldiers, and three Falkland Islanders—lost their lives when Argentina’s military dictatorship invaded the islands.

The islands remain claimed by Argentina and are often referenced in football chants and celebrations. Following their victory over Egypt, Argentine players sang: “For the Malvinas, for Diego [Maradona], for Leo [Messi]’s last one.”

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Tensions heightened further before the semi-final when Argentina’s vice-president Victoria Villarruel referred to England as “invaders” and “usurping pirates.” He stated on X, “Tomorrow we play against the usurping pirates.”

In statements reflecting the depth of sentiment surrounding the issue, one player remarked, “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!”

Argentina’s foreign minister Pablo Quirno claimed that the Falklands Islanders constitute an “artificially implanted” population. He wrote in La Nacion, “For this reason, no referendum organised unilaterally by the United Kingdom can have legal effect on a controversy whose resolution belongs exclusively to Argentina and the United Kingdom through negotiations.”

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The UK government has firmly rejected these assertions, affirming that the Falkland Islanders have the right to determine their own future. A spokesperson for the Prime Minister stated, “The UK’s position is clear. The islanders have repeatedly expressed their wish to remain a British overseas territory, and their right to self-determination is paramount.”

Reports indicate that tensions outside the stadium mirrored those inside, with police intervening to disperse fighting that occurred following the match at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.