Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni (R) reinforced the call for calm while acknowledging the historical and emotional weight surrounding the World Cup match Wednesday with England. Photo by Christopher Neundorf/EPA
July 14 (UPI) -- In the hours before Argentina's 2026 World Cup semifinal Wednesday against England, veterans of the 1982 Malvinas War -- the name Argentina uses for the disputed South Atlantic islands -- urged the public to separate the armed conflict between the two countries from the soccer match.
A statement from the April 2 War Veterans Federation, provided to Argentine media, sought to temper extreme nationalism and hate speech that has spread in Argentina since the national team advanced to the semifinals.
The veterans stressed that the match should not be interpreted as "revenge" for the 649 Argentine service members killed in the war. Their statement also reflected concern after disturbances and vandalism were reported on Buenos Aires' 9 de Julio Avenue during celebrations of Argentina's victory over Switzerland.
Amid the heightened tensions, the veterans said Argentina's sovereignty claim should be pursued through peaceful diplomacy, separating passion for soccer from the memory of those killed in the conflict.
