Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes defended the team's display of a banner claiming the Falkland Islands, known as the Malvinas in Argentina, following their World Cup semi-final victory over England. Paredes stated that the match was not merely a football game but was infused with historical and national sentiment, referencing the 1982 war between the two nations.
"Sadly, it is a sad part of our history, for everyone involved in that chapter of our history. And it hurts," Paredes told Sky News. "We knew we were playing for them too. For all the people, for our entire nation. I believe we did it in the best possible way. We always wanted to convey that for us, it wasn't just a football match."
The banner, reading "Las Malvinas son Argentinas," was held by several players, including captain Lionel Messi. FIFA has regulations against political symbols in matches. The display has drawn criticism, with some accusing the players of "warmongering" and politicizing the game. Sir Keir Starmer, along with other UK officials, has called for an investigation into the incident.
Britain has maintained sovereignty over the islands for nearly 200 years. In a 2013 referendum, 99.8% of Falkland Islands residents voted to remain a British Overseas Territory. The 1982 war, resulting from Argentina's invasion, claimed 907 lives.
Calls for sanctions against the players have been voiced, drawing parallels to UEFA's actions against Spanish players for displaying a "Gibraltar is Spanish" banner. However, some Argentinian players, including defender Gonzalo Montiel, have suggested the banner was handed to them from the stands, an account echoed by Argentinian journalist Nelson Castro.
Argentina's president, Javier Milei, commented that it is "perfectly valid and legitimate for the players to want to express themselves and do so."
The match also saw on-pitch confrontations after the final whistle. Argentinian substitute Valentin Barco was involved in an altercation with England midfielder Jude Bellingham, which escalated to pushing. Other players, including Nicolas Otamendi, also became involved before the situation was de-escalated.