Argentina Vice President Calls England 'Pirate Invaders' Ahead of World Cup Semi

Ahead of the 2026 World Cup semi-final between Argentina and England, Argentina's Vice President Victoria Villarruel issued a strong statement framing the match as more than just football. The game, scheduled for 22:00, will decide who faces Spain in the final. Villarruel emphasized the historical and political tensions between the two nations, recalling the 1982 Falklands War (known in Argentina as the Malvinas War), which resulted in the deaths of 649 Argentine and 255 British soldiers. The conflict ended with British victory, leading to the collapse of Argentina's military regime and a transition to democracy. Despite British control over the Falkland Islands, Argentina continues to claim sovereignty over them.

Villarruel described England as "pirate invaders" and stressed that the match carries deep significance beyond sport. She referenced the islands, football legend Diego Maradona, and Lionel Messi's final World Cup appearance, urging Argentina to "stop the invaders" and continue asserting their claim "until our last breath." Her remarks highlight the enduring national sentiment tied to the islands and the symbolic weight of the football match.

The semi-final is thus set against a backdrop of historical conflict and national pride, with Argentina seeking both sporting victory and a reaffirmation of its territorial claims.