Argentina face Fifa punishment after celebrating England World Cup win

Argentina could face disciplinary action from FIFA after several players celebrated their dramatic World Cup semi-final victory over England by displaying a politically charged banner claiming sovereignty over the Falkland Islands.

The reigning world champions came from behind to defeat England 2-1 in Atlanta, with Lionel Messi inspiring the late comeback by creating two goals to book Argentina’s place in Sunday’s World Cup final against Spain.

After the final whistle, several Argentine players gathered with a banner bearing the words “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” (“The Falklands are Argentine”), a slogan that reflects Argentina’s longstanding claim to the British overseas territory.

Among those seen holding the banner were Tottenham Hotspur defender Cristian Romero, Manchester United centre-back Lisandro Martínez and midfielder Giovani Lo Celso.

Midfielder Leandro Paredes also reinforced the message during a post-match interview, saying the Falkland Islands “will always be Argentine.”

FIFA rules on political messages

The banner has drawn attention because FIFA prohibits political messages and symbols at its tournaments. Reports indicate that flags and banners relating to the Falkland Islands dispute had already been barred from stadiums because of their political nature.

Argentina previously faced disciplinary action over a similar incident. In 2014, FIFA fined the Argentine Football Association after players displayed a banner with the same message before an international friendly against Slovenia.

While FIFA has yet to comment publicly on Wednesday’s incident, Argentina could again face financial sanctions if the governing body determines that its regulations were breached.

Long-running sovereignty dispute

Known as the Falkland Islands in the United Kingdom and Islas Malvinas in Argentina, the archipelago is a British Overseas Territory located in the South Atlantic Ocean, about 480 kilometres (300 miles) east of Argentina’s coast.

Argentina has long maintained its claim to the islands, a dispute that led to the 1982 Falklands War. The 74-day conflict ended with Britain regaining control of the territory after Argentine forces occupied the islands.

According to historical records, the war claimed the lives of 255 British military personnel, 649 Argentine service members and three civilians from the islands.

Political reactions

Following Argentina’s victory, Argentine Vice President Victoria Villarruel posted a message on X reiterating her country’s claim to the islands.

In her post, she wrote that “The Falklands are Argentine,” adding that although related banners had reportedly been prohibited inside the stadium, “we carry them in our blood and our hearts.”

Ahead of the semi-final, Villarruel had also described the match against England as being about more than football, comments that attracted widespread attention because of the longstanding territorial dispute.

Argentine President Javier Milei has likewise repeatedly stated that his administration remains committed to pursuing Argentina’s claim to the islands through peaceful means.

Crowd disturbances

Meanwhile, isolated clashes broke out between England and Argentina supporters outside Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium before and after the match.

Videos circulating on social media showed police officers intervening to separate groups of fans, with local authorities reportedly making several arrests.

Argentina will now turn their attention to Sunday’s World Cup final against Spain, where they will attempt to defend the title they won in Qatar in 2022.