Argentina Coach Calls for Politics‑Free World Cup Semi‑Final
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has stated that politics will have no place when his team faces England in the upcoming FIFA World Cup semi‑final in Atlanta, despite the long‑standing rivalry between the two nations.
The match revives one of football’s fiercest rivalries, shaped not only by memorable World Cup encounters but also by the 1982 Falklands War, a 74‑day conflict that claimed the lives of 649 Argentine soldiers, 255 British servicemen and three civilians. The islands, known in Argentina as Las Malvinas, remain at the centre of a sovereignty dispute.
“The reality is that this is a football match. I can’t mix things up, especially out of respect for what happened so many years ago,” Scaloni said. He added that while the period was sad, the focus must stay on the game.
Security will be tighter than usual in Atlanta because of the fixture’s political backdrop. The issue resurfaced after Argentina’s dramatic 3‑2 win over Egypt in the round of 16, when some players were filmed singing a chant referencing the islands as well as Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi.
Maradona’s iconic display against England at the 1986 World Cup, featuring the infamous Hand of God goal and a stunning solo effort, remains one of football’s defining moments. Messi will now captain Argentina against England in a World Cup semi‑final for the first time.
The 39‑year‑old Messi has been central to Argentina’s campaign, scoring eight goals to share the tournament lead with France’s Kylian Mbappé. Despite needing extra time to overcome Cape Verde and Switzerland, and then seeing off Egypt, Scaloni dismissed concerns over his team’s performances.
“A month‑and‑a‑half ago, I would have taken getting to the semi‑final if you had offered me that, so I don’t mind how we got here,” Scaloni said. “I can’t reproach my players. Whether we are tired or not, I don’t care. This is a World Cup semi‑final.”
Scaloni also acknowledged the threat posed by England’s Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, who have each scored six goals at the tournament.
“They are two great players, among the best in the world. Any coach would like to have them,” he concluded.
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