FIFA World Cup 2026: Argentina VP calls England "Usurping Pirates" ahead of SF clash
Atlanta, July 15
Ahead of Argentina's FIFA World Cup semi-final against England on Wednesday, Vice President Victoria Villarruel described the match as more than just football, invoking the Falkland Islands dispute and Argentina's football icons.
She called England "the usurping pirates," saying the clash represents "the Malvinas, Diego, Leo's last one, and putting the brakes on the invaders."
Political tensions between Argentina and the United Kingdom over the Falkland Islands (Malvinas) continue to simmer decades after the 1982 war, in which the two countries fought over the disputed territory.
According to ESPN, Las Malvinas is Argentina's name for the Falkland Islands, whose residents voted overwhelmingly in a 2013 referendum to remain a British Overseas Territory.
"Tomorrow we play against the usurping pirates. This isn't just another match. I'm not going to be politically correct or cold-hearted; against the English, it's always something more. It's the Malvinas, it's Diego, it's Leo's last one, and it's putting the brakes on the invaders. Go Argentina! Because until our last breath, we're going to claim what's ours!" Villarruel wrote in an X post.
The rivalry also includes Diego Maradona's famous "Hand of God" goal during Argentina's 1986 quarter-final victory and England's penalty shootout defeat in the 1998 Round of 16.
Argentina will take on England in a blockbuster last-four clash in Atlanta on Wednesday (local time), with the winners advancing to face Spain in the World Cup final at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19.
— ANI
Reader Comments
This is why I love the World Cup—it stirs up passion beyond the game. As someone from the US, I see it differently, but you have to respect how much football means to Argentina. 'Usurping pirates' is a bit much though, even for a rivalry.
Honestly, this sounds like typical political grandstanding to rally the nation before a big match. India has its own cricket rivalries with Pakistan that get similar treatment—but it's never just a game, is it? Hope the football stays clean and fair.
😂 Argentina is so dramatic—I love it! Villarruel is channeling Maradona's spirit, and that's what makes this rivalry legendary. England vs Argentina is always spicy, but calling them pirates? Too good, man. Can't wait for the match!
From an Indian perspective, this is like when our politicians bring up historical issues before a big cricket match. It stirs emotions, but it's a bit unnecessary. The game should be about sport, not geopolitics. Let's hope the semi-final is a classic for football's sake.
I find it ironic that a VP is using colonial language while complaining about colonizers—'usurping pirates'? Pot, meet kettle. But hey, this is what makes football so compelling in South America: the passion is real, even if the politics are messy. Good luck to both teams.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.