Argentina's World Cup squad celebrated their dramatic comeback victory over Egypt by singing a popular fan chant that references the Falkland Islands, known as the Malvinas in Argentina. The team trailed Egypt 2-0 late in their last-16 match in Atlanta before Cristian Romero scored in the 79th minute, followed by an equalizer from Lionel Messi four minutes later. Enzo Fernandez scored the winning header in stoppage time for a 3-2 victory, setting up a quarter-final match against Switzerland.
Following the win, players were seen celebrating in their dressing room to the song 'Muchachos,' which has become a popular anthem for their supporters. The lyrics were reworked by a school teacher from the original song by the ska band La Mosca. A version of the song was also popular during Argentina's 2022 World Cup triumph in Qatar and has been updated for the current tournament.
The original lyrics included the line, 'I was born in Argentina, land of Diego and Lionel, and of the Malvinas lads whom I’ll never forget.' The updated version features the line, 'I am Argentine from cradle to grave, for the Malvinas, for Diego, for Leo’s final chapter.' The Malvinas is the Argentine term for the Falkland Islands, where 649 Argentine military personnel died in 1982 during a conflict with the United Kingdom.
The Argentina Football Association shared footage of the celebrations on social media with the caption, 'Study up and learn, this is how La Scaloneta sings.'
Meanwhile, Argentina fans have also been heard chanting about a potential semi-final clash with England. One chant circulating on social media claims England is 'scared' of facing Argentina and suggests the Argentine team will make them 'run again' if they meet in the last four. Fans chanted, 'The English are scared because they know this squad has balls. At the Azteca they already ran, and in Miami we're gonna make them run again. English, hold on just a little longer, we're gonna meet soon.'
During celebrations in Buenos Aires, fans were seen chanting, 'And now you see, and now you see, whoever doesn't jump is an Englishman.'
Both England and Argentina must first win their respective quarter-final matches to set up a potential semi-final showdown. England is scheduled to play Norway, while Argentina will face Switzerland.