World Cup: Argentine VP Calls English ‘Pirates’ Ahead of Semi-Final

Argentina’s Vice President, Victoria Villarruel, has described the English as “usurping pirates” ahead of Wednesday’s highly anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final between Argentina and England.

Villarruel made the remarks in a post on X, linking the football encounter to the long-running sovereignty dispute over the Falkland Islands, known in Argentina as the Malvinas.

“Tomorrow we play against the usurping pirates. It’s not just another match,” she wrote.

The World Cup clash comes against the backdrop of decades-old tensions between both countries over the South Atlantic islands, which have remained under British control since the end of the 1982 Falklands War.

Rejecting calls for moderation, the vice president said she would not adopt a politically correct approach to the fixture.

“I’m not going to be politically correct or keep a cool head — it’s always something more against the English,” she stated.

Villarruel also referenced Argentine football icons Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi, saying the match represented more than sport.

“It’s the Malvinas, it’s Diego, it’s Leo’s last run, and it’s about stopping the invaders in their tracks,” she wrote.

She concluded her message by reaffirming Argentina’s claim to the disputed islands.

“Go Argentina! Because until our very last breath, we will keep claiming what is ours!”

Villarruel’s comments carry personal significance, as her father fought for Argentina during the 1982 Falklands War, which lasted 74 days before ending in a British victory.

The conflict claimed the lives of 649 Argentine and 255 British military personnel, while the sovereignty dispute remains unresolved.

However, Argentina’s football authorities have sought to distance the national team from the political rhetoric.

Head coach Lionel Scaloni insisted the semi-final should be viewed purely as a sporting contest.

“It’s a football match, plain and simple. So, mixing the two would be madness,” Scaloni said.

Several Argentine players have also played down the historical and political dimensions surrounding the fixture.

Meanwhile, Argentina’s Security Minister, Alejandra Monteoliva, announced that supporters attending the match in Atlanta would not be allowed to bring flags or other items referencing the Falkland Islands into the stadium as part of the security arrangements for the semi-final.

The winner of the encounter will advance to the 2026 FIFA World Cup final to face Spain.