Scaloni: Don't mix politics with football ahead of England semi-final

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has said he will not mix politics with football as his side prepares to face England in the World Cup semi-final in Atlanta on Wednesday. The match revives one of international football's most storied rivalries, set against a backdrop of political tension stemming from the 1982 Falklands War.

Scaloni urges focus on football

Speaking ahead of the clash at Atlanta Stadium, Scaloni emphasized that the match should be viewed purely as a sporting contest. "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," he said. "It was a very sad period in our history, and there isn't much we can do about it, that's the reality."

Scaloni acknowledged the historical context but stressed the importance of separating sport from politics. "Things are happening elsewhere in the world, and we criticise the existence of war. We certainly remember those people, of course. But it is a football match; we shouldn't confuse the two," he added.

The Falklands War, a 74-day conflict in 1982, resulted in the deaths of 649 Argentine soldiers, 255 British combatants and three civilians. The British overseas territory, known in Argentina as Las Malvinas, remains the subject of a sovereignty dispute between the two countries.

Villarruel strikes different tone

While Scaloni sought to calm tensions, Argentina Vice-President Victoria Villarruel took a more combative stance. In a post on X, she referenced a chant sung by Argentina players after their dramatic 3-2 win over Egypt in the last 16, which mentions the Falklands and Argentina greats Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi.

"This is not just another match. I'm not going to be politically correct - against the English, it's always something more," Villarruel wrote. "It's the Malvinas, it's Diego, it's Leo's last one, and it's about putting the invaders in their place. Long live Argentina! Because until our very last breath, we will reclaim what is ours!"

Earlier this week, authorities announced increased security measures in Atlanta due to the historical tensions between the two nations.

Historical rivalry and current form

Argentina and England have a storied history on the pitch, most notably in the 1986 World Cup quarter-finals, when Diego Maradona scored the infamous "Hand of God" goal and a brilliant second to lead Argentina to victory. This time, captain Lionel Messi will face England for the first time in his illustrious career.

Messi, an eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, has inspired Argentina during their run to the semi-finals, scoring a joint-tournament high eight goals alongside France striker Kylian Mbappe. However, Argentina have generally struggled collectively, being tested in each of their knockout games. Alongside the win over Egypt, Argentina needed extra time in the last 32 to beat Cape Verde and again in the quarter-finals to defeat 10-man Switzerland.

Scaloni, who guided Argentina to World Cup glory four years ago in Qatar, said he is not concerned about his side's form. "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," he said. "I can't reproach my players. Whether we are tired or not I don't care. This is a World Cup semi-final."

England, seeking to defeat the defending champions and reach their first World Cup final since 1966, will face Argentina on Wednesday at 20:00 BST. The match will be broadcast live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, with coverage starting at 19:00 BST.