Argentine VP calls England ‘usurping pirates’ ahead of World Cup semifinal clash

By Rohan Gupta — 15 July 2026 — 4 min read

Political Tensions Ahead of Semifinal

Argentina’s Vice President Victoria Villarruel has referred to the English as “usurping pirates” in anticipation of the upcoming World Cup semifinal match between the two nations. Her comments were made in a post on X, where she stated, “We play against the usurping pirates. It’s not just another match.” Villarruel further expressed her sentiments, saying, “I’m not going to be politically correct or keep a cool head – it’s always something more against the English.”

The vice president connected the match to several significant Argentine touchstones, including the Falkland Islands (known as the Malvinas in Spanish), the late football legend Diego Maradona, and the current star striker Lionel Messi’s final tournament run. She concluded her statement with a nationalistic rallying cry: “Go Argentina! Because until our very last breath, we will keep claiming what is ours!” This echoes a popular anthem sung by Argentine fans throughout the tournament.

The backdrop to these remarks is the ongoing sovereignty dispute over the Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic Ocean. Villarruel’s father participated in the 1982 Falklands War, a 74-day conflict between Argentina’s military dictatorship and the United Kingdom. The conflict concluded with a British victory, resulting in the deaths of 649 Argentines and 255 Britons.

Contrasting Views and Historical Rivalry

Villarruel’s strong political statements stand in contrast to the more measured tones from Argentina’s coach Lionel Scaloni and several players, who have sought to downplay the political and historical weight of the match. Scaloni stated, “It’s a football match, plain and simple. So, mixing the two would be madness.” Similarly, Argentine Security Minister Alejandra Monteoliva announced a security plan for the semifinal in Atlanta, which includes banning flags or other items referencing the Falkland Islands from being brought into the stadium.

The rivalry between Argentina and England is deeply rooted in football, history, politics, and colonialism, stretching across generations. This upcoming semifinal marks the first time Lionel Messi will play against England in his international career, which spans over two decades, more than 200 appearances, and 125 goals. The Argentina Football Association has described this encounter as “the match fate owed Messi.”

The rivalry intensified after their first World Cup meeting in 1962. Notable encounters include the 1966 quarter-final, which Argentina still views as a controversial loss, and the 1986 quarter-final, played four years after the Falklands War. This 1986 match featured Diego Maradona’s infamous “Hand of God” goal, followed by his “Goal of the Century.” Argentina ultimately won that match and went on to lift the World Cup.

Other significant matches include the 1998 Round of 16, remembered for David Beckham’s red card, and the 2002 group stage match where Beckham scored a penalty to secure a victory for England. The chant, “Y ya lo ve, y ya lo ve. El que no salta, Es un ingles!” (And now you see, and now you see, whoever doesn’t jump is English), is a common expression among Argentina’s football fans and players, often heard regardless of the opposition.

As Argentina prepares to face the Three Lions in the semifinal in Atlanta, the historical and political undertones are evident, despite efforts from some to focus solely on the sporting aspect of the game.

Veterans Advocate for Football Focus

An Argentine war veterans federation has urged fans to prioritize the sporting aspect of the World Cup semifinal against England, rather than using it as a platform for sovereignty claims over the Falkland/Malvinas Islands. The April 2 War Veterans Federation emphasized that sovereignty claims should be pursued through diplomatic channels and international forums.

The federation called for honoring the memory of Argentine soldiers who died in the 1982 conflict without promoting hatred or xenophobia. They stated that the match is “not an armed rematch nor historical compensation.” The group stressed the importance of distinguishing between sporting passion and national causes, noting, “Sovereignty is defended in international forums through diplomacy, historical truth and the peaceful, non-negotiable claim enshrined in our national constitution.”

Both the Argentine and English teams, including their managers and players, have attempted to de-escalate any political rhetoric, focusing instead on the football match itself. England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford echoed this sentiment, stating that the semifinal was “just a game of football” and that “The football will do its talking.” The match will take place in Atlanta.

Source: aljazeera.com

Rohan Gupta

Sports Reporter