Argentina head coach, Lionel Scaloni, has insisted that football and politics should remain separate as his side prepares to face England in Wednesday’s FIFA World Cup semi-final in Atlanta.
The meeting at Atlanta Stadium will renew one of international football’s fiercest rivalries, with defending champions Argentina aiming to reach another World Cup final, while England seek their first appearance in the tournament’s showpiece since winning the title in 1966.
The fixture also carries historical significance because of the 1982 Falklands War, a 74-day conflict between Britain and Argentina that claimed the lives of 649 Argentine soldiers, 255 British military personnel and three civilians. The British overseas territory, known in Argentina as Las Malvinas, remains the subject of a sovereignty dispute.
Scaloni, however, said the focus should remain on football.
“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,” Scaloni said.
“It was a very sad period in our history, and there isn’t much we can do about it, that’s the reality.
“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.”
Security heightened for semi-final
Authorities have announced increased security measures in Atlanta because of the historical tensions surrounding the fixture.
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The build-up has also been intensified after Argentina players were filmed singing a chant referencing the Falkland Islands following their 3-2 victory over Egypt in the Round of 16.
The rivalry is also shaped by football history. Diego Maradona inspired Argentina to a famous 2-1 victory over England in the 1986 World Cup quarter-finals, scoring both the controversial “Hand of God” goal and one of the tournament’s greatest solo efforts.
Current captain Lionel Messi is set to face England for the first time in his international career. The 39-year-old has scored eight goals at the tournament, matching France striker Kylian Mbappe as the competition’s joint-leading scorer.
Scaloni confident despite difficult route
Argentina have been tested throughout the knockout rounds, needing extra time to overcome Cape Verde in the Round of 32 before edging 10-man Switzerland in the quarter-finals.
They also survived a tough challenge from Egypt in the Round of 16.
Despite those struggles, Scaloni said he remains satisfied with his team’s progress.
“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.”
Praise for Kane and Bellingham
Scaloni also acknowledged the threat posed by England captain Harry Kane and midfielder Jude Bellingham, who have each scored six goals at the tournament.
“They are two great players, among the best in the world. Any coach would like to have them,” he said.
