Argentina VP calls English 'pirates' hours before World Cup semifinal

Hours before the World Cup semifinal between Argentina and England, Argentina's Vice President Victoria Villarruel ignited controversy by calling the English 'piratas usurpadores' (usurper pirates) in a social media post. 'No voy a ser políticamente correcta ni pecho frío; contra los ingleses siempre es algo más. Es Malvinas, es el Diego, es la última de Leo y es pararle el carro a los invasores,' she wrote on X Source: ABC. The comment stirred debate, especially given the historic tensions over the Falkland Islands (Malvinas) and past football rivalries.

Context and reactions

Villarruel's father is a veteran of the 1982 Falklands War, which Argentina lost with 649 dead Source: El Colombiano. The post references Diego Maradona's iconic 1986 World Cup performance against England and Lionel Messi's final World Cup. However, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni had sought to downplay political undertones, stating, 'Es un partido de fútbol, no hay otra. Entonces, mezclarlos sería una locura' Source: El Colombiano. This contrasts with Villarruel's explicit linking of sport and nationalism.

Security measures

Argentina's Security Minister Alejandra Monteoliva confirmed that fans will be barred from bringing flags or messages related to the Malvinas into the stadium in Atlanta, as part of the security protocol Source: El Colombiano. The ban aims to prevent provocations, though Monteoliva acknowledged it's hard to control chants.

The match carries deep symbolic weight for many Argentines, but officials are trying to keep the focus on football.