The Argentina Falklands banner which caused outrage after the England game is reportedly still with the squad13:29, 17 Jul 2026Updated 13:33, 17 Jul 2026Argentina players could parade the Falklands banner again at the World Cup final after sparking controversy following their win over England. Reports from Argentina claim there is a strong chance the banner, which reads 'Los Malvinas son Argentinas', translating to 'The Falkland Islands are Argentinian', is still in the possession of the Argentina squad.‌The 2022 world champions defeated England in dramatic fashion on Wednesday night, coming from a goal down to score two late goals and seal their place in Sunday’s final, where they will face Spain. The match was a fiery affair, filled with player clashes and flashpoints befitting the long history of rivalry between the two nations, both on and off the field.‌As tempers flared post-match, jubilant Argentina stars celebrated in front of their fans, when midfielder Giovani Lo Celso decided to pick up a fan-made banner which had fallen from the stands to the edge of the penalty area. He unfurled it and held up the banner with the aforementioned political message with the help of Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez, both of whom play their football in England.‌JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! Latest news, analysis and much more on Mirror Football's Facebook pageThe message, which is understood to have been spray painted onto a hotel bedsheet by fans, refers to the British Overseas Territory of the Falkland Islands, located off the coast of Argentina. Argentina disputes British sovereignty over the islands and refers to them as Las Malvinas.As such, the banner sparked backlash from the UK, with many believing that it was offensive to the 255 British soldiers who were killed during the Falklands War in 1982. A statement from the UK Government issued on Thursday morning reiterated: "The World Cup might not be ours, but the Falkland Islands definitely are."‌Prior to the game, authorities had banned the entry of any banners or flags referencing the Falklands conflict into the stadium. As a result, FIFA, which is considering a potential sanction in the form of a fine for the players who displayed it, responded by saying: "As is standard procedure, FIFA's independent Disciplinary Committee is currently assessing the match reports and considering the relevant circumstances before deciding on potential further steps."However, there remains a chance that Argentina could risk FIFA’s punishment again in another show of defiance, by unfurling the banner again after the World Cup final against Spain. La Albiceleste’s kit man, Patricio Auber, is seemingly still in possession of it.‌He posted an Instagram story showing the banner along with the caption: "To whom it may concern... It’s in good hands!" Argentine outlet La Nacion reports that the banner’s creators, whose identities have not been revealed, were relieved and voiced their intention to get it back.For now, however, it remains with the national team at the team hotel. Whether it is brought to New York for the final at MetLife stadium remains the subject of speculation in Argentina, though its reappearance could spark a more severe response by FIFA.‌Its creators managed to bypass security in Atlanta and waited for the final minutes of the match before unfurling it when the commotion was at its peak in the stands. It was spotted by security personnel, which led them to throw it onto the pitch after fearing they would be thrown out of the stadium.The players have issued their own thoughts too, with several members of the Argentina squad seemingly seeing it as a moral obligation to hold the banner aloft. Midfielder Leandro Paredes was asked about the banner and replied: "And they [Malvinas] will always be Argentine."Manchester United defender Martinez insisted: "We couldn't let the Argentine people down." Meanwhile, Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez was quick to distance himself from the controversy.Article continues belowJoin our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.