Argentina's war veterans urge fans to focus on football ahead of England match

The organization urged fans not to use the high-profile match as a political platform to push sovereignty claims over disputed South Atlantic islands. The April 2 War Veterans Federation emphasized that the match is "not an armed rematch nor historical compensation," reminding the public to avoid promoting hatred or xenophobia.

The message aims to honor the memory of the 649 Argentine soldiers and 255 British combatants who died during the brief 1982 conflict over the islands, known as the Malvinas in Argentina and the Falklands in Britain. The federation stated that sovereignty must be defended through international diplomacy, historical truth, and the peaceful avenues enshrined in the national constitution rather than on a sporting pitch.

While Britain maintains military presence and claims sovereignty, Argentina continues to pursue its claimthrough international diplomatic channels, including the United Nations. Throughout the World Cup tournament, Argentina fans and players have frequently sung a chantreferencing the islands, alongside Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi.

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has actively sought to cool down rivalry talk, stating clearly that there will be absolutely nothing more than football at stake when the teams meet in Atlanta on Wednesday. England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford echoed these exact sentiments on Monday, telling reporters that the highly anticipated semi-final is "just a game of football" between two proud nations.

The two countries share one of international football's most storied rivalries, highlighted by iconic historical meetings such as the 1986 quarter-final featuring Maradona's famous "Hand of God" goal.