Argentina booked their place in the World Cup Final on Wednesday evening with a comeback victory over England.
The Three Lions had taken the lead through Anthony Gordon during the second half but could not withstand a late Argentine barrage, conceding twice late on.
England were eliminated at the World Cup’s semi-final stage for the second time in the past three tournaments, having taken the lead on both occasions – the only country ever to do so.
Argentina unfurl Falklands banner after beating England
Goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez wrestled the game back in Argentina’s favour and left England with little time to find an equaliser.
Upon the final whistle, after nine added minutes, Argentina’s players celebrated jubilantly on the pitch in front of what was a majority of Argentine crowd.
Amidst the celebrations, unused substitute and Real Betis midfielder Lo Celso was pictured holding a banner which read ‘Las Malvinas son Argentinas’, directly referencing the 1982 Falklands War.
Translated to English, the banner reads: “The Falklands are Argentinian”.
Argentina lost the conflict having invaded the British Overseas Territory, but to this day, popular feeling in the South American country is that the crop of islands in the South Atlantic belong to Argentina.
Lionel Messi and co will meet Spain in the World Cup Final at the New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday.
It is as yet unclear as to whether the Argentine Football Association (AFA) and Lo Celso will be sanctioned for unfurling the political display.
FIFA’s protocols state the following: “Items of a political, offensive, sexual, discriminatory or commercial nature are strictly prohibited and may result in expulsion from the stadium.”
Haiti were forced to redesign their home shirt on the eve of their 2026 World Cup opener with Scotland, after it was deemed part of the initial design allegedly depicted an event synonymous with the country gaining independence from France.